Nuku’alofa — The chief executive officer (CEO) of Tonga Airports Ltd (TAL), Edgar Cocker, has been suspended pending an investigation into alleged misuse of power, Minister of Public Enterprises and Police Piveni Piukala revealed today.
The suspension comes amid what appears to be a standoff between the government-owned airport company and ATS (Air Terminal Services (Tonga) Limited), the luggage handling service provider.
The tension escalated after the government announced it would terminate ATS’s services effective September 30.
However, Kaniva News has been reliably informed that the termination did not go ahead as planned. ATS has continued to provide services into the first week of October, according to a source who spoke with Kaniva News.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nukuʻalofa, Piukala confirmed this afternoon that the suspension was part of a formal process initiated by the Airport Board of Directors.
He said the board, in consultation with its legal team, is currently preparing written claims to be delivered to Mr Cocker, who will be required to respond to the allegations.
“The suspension is based on misuse of power,” Piukala stated in Tongan, adding that the matter is being handled with legal oversight to ensure due process.
Further details about the nature of the allegations and the timeline for the investigation are expected to emerge in the coming days.
Cocker No Stranger to Controversy
Cocker’s suspension is not his first brush with controversy.
As Kaniva News reported in 2020, both Cocker, who was then Cabinet Chief Secretary, and then Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa vehemently denied claims that aircraft pilot Maikolo Fa’asolo had been appointed Chief Executive of Lulutai Airlines.
However, when Kaniva emailed them a copy of the contract — which clearly showed Fa’asolo had signed an agreement with Lulutai — Cocker did not respond to further questions regarding the issue.
In 2021, Kaniva News also reported that Prime Minister Tu’i’onetoa had invited Fly Niu to purchase Lulutai Airlines if they wished.
Following the report, Cocker told local media the claim was false. But when Kaniva sent him copies of Tu’i’onetoa’s email correspondence with Fly Niu director Semi Halanukonuka — which supported the report — Cocker again declined to comment.
Later that year, in October, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a press release announcing government approval for a major upgrade of Vava’u International Airport. The proposed US$121 million project was to be led by a registered British company, Raw Mana Ltd, whose involvement had reportedly been referred to the Tongan Government.
However, the following day, Cocker told local media that a full proposal had not been received and that the Prime Minister’s Office’s press release did not mean the government had granted approval for Raw Mana Ltd to undertake the project.
Cocker could not be reached for comment.
