An academic says the sacking of two senior public servants this week by the Tokelau administration cannot be justified.
Massey University Pasifika Centre director, Malakai Koloamatangi was speaking after the sacking of senior public servants, Jovilisi Suveinakama and Heto Puka, over their involvement in the controversial purchase of two helicopters.
63552730 - close up of a screw of black with gray stripes bell 407 helicopter standing on green grass field in blue sky background. Photo: lazorphoto/123RF
That multi million dollar purchase, made late last year, sparked an outcry earlier this year, leading to the suspension of the duo, a series of closed inquiries, and now the sacking of the two men.
Bur Dr Koloamatangi said he believes they have been made scapegoats for a purchase that would have had a profound impact on Tokelau.
"Civil servants were not responsible for that. It should come from the Tokelauan adminstration and it is such a big purchase that, surely, if you make the decision to buy the helicopters then of course it will show somewhere when the accounting comes around. So it is too big to be decided by two civil servants and too big to hide," said Malakai Koloamatangi.