25 Apr 2005

American Samoan auditor resists sacking moves

3:48 pm on 25 April 2005

American Samoa's territorial auditor plans to fight moves by the government to terminate his contract.

Governor Togiola Tulafono had told the auditor, George Webster, last Wednesday to resign or face dismissal.

Under the law, the termination of the territorial auditor's contract needs a two thirds majority of both the House and the Senate.

Mr Webster has two years left on a four-year contract.

Our correspondent in Pago Pago, Monica Miller, says George Webster is considering legal action after the governor told him he would be suspended, if he didn't resign by last Friday.

"I think its fairly obvious that Mr Webster has unruffled many feathers high up in government. I think the man was just doing his job, but in the process he has made some people uncomfortable."

Monica Miller