The swearing in of the Deputy President of the Lands and Titles Court; Vice President, and LTC Judge, proceeded n Friday morning.

This is despite instructions by Minister of Justice and Courts Administration,Matamua Vasati Pulufana for the Lands and Titles Court not to go through with the ceremony.

The said appointment of the positions for Faimalomatumua Matthew Lemisio; Taueva Lelevaga Mupo and Leaupepe Fatu Pula were duped invalid and unlawful as per the legal advice of Attorney General, Su’a Hellene Wallwork.

Officiated by the President of the LTC, Fepuleai Atilla Ropati, the ceremony was led by LTC Judge Masinalupe Tusipa Masinalupe, as there were no Legislative Clerks present at the ceremony. Other LTC Judges were seen manning the door.

During his speech, the LTC President said that “all appointments are from God.”

The Minister added that in the absence of enabling provisions in the LTC Act 2020 the Komisi cannot exercise its powers to appoint, remove or suspend any Judges of the LTC.

She said the appointments to the LTC will not be processed until amendments to the Land and Titles Act 2020 is approved by Parliament.

After the ceremony, Faimalo declined to comment on the issue of whether the swearing in was legal or not.

Asked about their salaries. The Judges declined to comment on the move by the Ministry when asked by the media.