LTA confirms Government ownership of vehicle used by PM’s Principal Adviser

APIA, SAMOA — The Land Transport Authority has clarified that the Toyota Hilux formerly registered as LTA23 remains the property of the Government of Samoa, following questions over its change to private registration plates and its use by the Prime Minister’s Principal Adviser, Apulu Lance Polu.

The vehicle, previously used by former Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo, came under scrutiny after it was seen carrying private registration plate 59250 instead of its former government plate.

In a response provided by LTA, the Authority confirmed there had been no change in ownership.

“We confirm that the vehicle’s registration plate has been changed to a private plate, while ownership remains with the Government of Samoa through the Land Transport Authority.”

LTA also confirmed that the decision to change the registration was made at the discretion of Prime Minister La‘aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, who is also the Minister responsible for LTA.

“This modification was carried out at the discretion of the Honourable Prime Minister, who also serves as the Minister responsible for the LTA.”

According to the Authority, the Prime Minister is empowered to make such adjustments when necessary, particularly when they are considered essential for his safety and security.

The clarification follows reports that the vehicle was being used by Apulu Lance Polu, Principal Adviser to the Prime Minister.

Apulu took up the Government advisory role earlier this year after stepping down from his position at Talamua Media, the media organisation he had led for many years. As part of the move into his new Government position, Apulu also relinquished his shares and ownership interests in Talamua, separating himself from the media organisation before taking up his role with the Prime Minister.

That distinction provides important context to reports describing Apulu as a private media owner while questioning his use of a government vehicle. He is now serving in a senior advisory position within the Prime Minister’s Office.

The allocation of a government vehicle for the use of a Principal Adviser is ultimately an administrative decision for the Government and the Prime Minister, subject to the rules governing government assets. The fact that Apulu is using the vehicle does not mean the vehicle has been transferred into his private ownership.

The central question raised by the change of plates was whether the former LTA vehicle had been sold or transferred into private hands.

LTA has now confirmed that this is not the case.

Despite displaying private registration plate 59250, the Toyota Hilux remains a Government of Samoa asset under the ownership of the Land Transport Authority.

LTA has also confirmed that the change from a government to a private registration plate was authorised at the discretion of the Prime Minister, with the Authority citing safety and security considerations for such adjustments.

The clarification therefore establishes that the vehicle remains publicly owned, while its use by the Prime Minister’s Principal Adviser forms part of the Government’s allocation of its vehicle fleet rather than a transfer of the vehicle into private ownership.