28 Sep 2009

American Samoa governor appoints former rival to key post

8:11 pm on 28 September 2009

American Samoa's governor, Togiola Tulafono, has appointed a former candidate for governor as the executive director of the territory's constitutional review office.

Togiola has appointed laywer Afoa Moega Lutu, saying he has given American Samoa many years of public service, including his tenure two decades ago as attorney general.

Afoa was unsuccessful in his 2004 and 2008 bids for governor.

Togiola says Afoa's work will help direct American Samoa's efforts in building a future not only for the legal system and government, but the people and the Samoan culture, language and traditions.

Later this year the governor is expected to call a constitutional convention.