By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

The traditional chiefs of Melekeok have renewed their support to House of Delegates Speaker Augustine Mesebeluu as their representative in the Olbiil Era Kelulau following the latter’s offer to step down.
Mesebeluu yesterday provided a copy of a letter to him dated March 1, which was signed by all the chiefs in Melekeok thanking him for his kind words and constant dedication and hard work as Delegate representing Melekeok State, "as well as your proven leadership as Speaker of the House of Delegates."
"The State leaders and traditional chiefs gathered on Thursday at the Penthouse Hotel where they wanted me to explain my case to all of them and what has really happened," Mesebeluu said.
Mesebeluu was referring to a case filed against him by the Special Prosecutor’s Office regarding a reimbursement of public funds, which he admittedly improperly spent while travelling off-Island.
Mesebeluu had apologized for his previous failures to honor the Settlement Agreements that he had entered into previously with the Special Prosecutor this in several advertisements in the newspaper.
"At the Penthouse meeting, I took time explaining to them," he said.
He explained that this is what he has been doing every time he runs for public office.
"They understand my explanations but still I offered to step down but they said it is their duty to decided on my fate and so they wanted me to continue representing them. They told me that since I have two more years and it would be better for me to stay," he said.
In his apology message to the public, the Speaker said that at this time he has entered into new Settlement with SP Everett Walton regarding the same improper use of public funds which he is now committed to honor in every respect.
"Surely this case has brought embarrassment to myself and my family and indeed has served to remind me in the most unforgettable manner of the importance of honoring commitments regardless of extraneous circumstances," Mesebeluu noted.
He said he could never forget the painful lesson that he has learned from the case and he hopes that his case may serve to remind all others in public office, now and in the future, of the importance of honoring the obligations and fiduciary duties of all public servants.
In their letter to Mesebeluu drafted right after the meeting at Penthouse the state leaders and traditional chiefs said that "from the time you took on the position of Delegate representing Melekeok State since 1989 until today, you have represented our state and the interests of our people above and beyond our expectations, and have never failed to represent our interests."
The BAI Melekeong chiefs who signed were Reklai Rafael B. Ngirmang, Rechebong Sabinbo Sebal, Ruluked Johanes, Ngirkungiil Steven Sebalt, Secharuleong Theodore Rengulbai, Tkedesau Belhaim Sakuma, Rechetaoch Lazarus Kodep, Ngiratekau Viviano Mad, Olikong Polycarp Basilius, Ngirmang Moses Uludong and Tmekei Andrew Tabelual.
The Rubekul Telngal chiefs who signed were Ngiraingas Elia Tulop, Ngetbuchel Alfonso Megreos, Renguul Beter Elchuus, Secharuleong Thedore Rengulbai, Orukei Miwawo Kadoi and Yobech Kirino Semdiu.
The Ngaruchob chiefs who signed were Ngirchongor Isaac Soaladaob, Renguul Peter Elchuus, Koi Singenari J. Azuma, Imetuker Dave Taro and Ngirwosech Benjamin Ngirdimau.
They told Mesebeluu that he has tirelessly represented their goals and tried to benefit the State and the nation as a whole in every possible way.
"Because of your dedication and proven track record, we will continue to support you as our Delegate, representing Melekeok," the Chiefs wrote.
"For the foregoing reasons, we can not accept your resignation as Delegate prior to the end of the term for the Seventh Olbiil Era Kelulau. You must continue to represent our state in the honorable fashion to which we are accustomed until the end of your term.
The chiefs said that they fully support all the Delegates and look forward to Mesebeluu’s leadership and vision for the future of Palau until the end of his term.