Rival supporters of Chairman Lord Tu’ilakepa and the Police Minister Piveni Piukala have taken to social media with photos to disprove allegations that either leader was injured in Monday’s near-violent parliamentary clash.
Police Minister Piveni Piukala (R) during his regular VPON Media livestream on Tuesday night, displaying no apparent injuries from Monday’s parliamentary incident. His appearance came hours after rival supporters began disputing injury claims online. (Screenshot: VPON Media)
As Kaniva News reported at the time, a heated debate between Minister Piukala and Lord Tu’ilakepa, Chair of the Whole House Committee, spiralled into a physical confrontation—forcing the Speaker to summon security to eject the Minister.
The Speaker later issued a statement confirming there had been a quarrel (“makuku”) in the House, which led to the five-day suspension of the duo.
Following the clash, the lawmakers’ supporters flooded Facebook with opposing claims, fiercely defending their respective leaders. Allegations included saying there were injuries and that one of the duo was floored.
Much of the speculation arose from unverified audio clips circulating online, reportedly from livestreams of the incident, featuring terms like “fuhu” (fight) and “tokoto” (lying on the floor).
The rivalry intensified when Piukala’s U.S.-based supporters sponsored a special livestream, giving the public an opportunity to hear directly from him. During the broadcast, the VPON host explained that these overseas supporters had grown concerned after hearing allegations of injury and had specifically funded the program to hear Piukala’s firsthand response.
When asked to clarify what had happened, Piukala implied in Tongan that his attempt to reach Tu’ilakepa was blocked by security personnel. He noted that a large number of security officers were present in the House.
He allegedly applied chokeholds to security staff trying to intervene, according to VPON media.
He also claimed he chased Lord Tu’ilakepa outside the House.
Lord Tu’ilakepa has yet to go public, although his supporters stood by him in his attempt to challenge Piukala.
On Tuesday, his staunch supporter MP Taione pleaded with the Speaker to reconsider Tu’ilakepa’s suspension and allow his return to the House. Taione argued the noble was acting in self-defence.
The Speaker declined and stated that after reviewing security footage and consulting with his staff, he had confirmed both Tu’ilakepa’s and Piukala’s involvement in the incident – the basis for their suspension.
