Lesa had reportedly misrepresented his qualifications and experience
The governor-general has removed Fale Andrew Lesa from office as a justice of the peace and a visiting justice.
According to associate justice minister Nicole McKee, the action was taken following an investigation that arose from allegations that Lesa had misrepresented aspects of his qualifications and experience. The claims came from complaints filed by members of the public as well as media reports.
“I was concerned and asked my officials to look into the matter and report to me. I have heard from Mr Lesa directly. However, he has not been able to satisfactorily explain himself fully to me”, McKee said.
She emphasised integrity and honesty as being key attributes for someone in Lesa’s position, given the functions assigned to justices of the peace and visiting justices.
“It is clear to me that Mr Lesa’s behaviour shows a long-standing pattern, on many occasions and over many years, of being willing to mislead, or exaggerate, over numerous important matters of fact about himself. That behaviour is inconsistent with the attributes necessary for a person who is a justice of the peace and a visiting justice”, McKee said. “Accordingly, I reached the view that he should be removed from office as a justice of the peace and visiting justice, and I made that recommendation to the governor-general”.
