Pula arrived here on Friday when Inos was confirmed as the first unelected lt. governor of the CNMI.
Then-Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez resigned after a federal jury found him guilty of corruption charges.
Pula arrived at the administration shortly after Gov. Benigno R. Fitial had sworn-in Inos.
He graciously posed with local officials along with Inos after the ceremony.
In an interview with reporters, Pula said “I have no idea that this was going to take place” referring to Inos’s confirmation.
He said he had known Inos long before he worked for Interior and heard praises about his skills as a finance expert even during the Trust Territory time.
“I’ve known Eloy Inos for a long time, even before I started for the Office of Insular Affairs. I’ve heard how competent he is as an individual. He’s worked for the Trust Territory,” the visiting federal official said.
“I know this is an election year in the CNMI but in my job, I don’t get involved into politics. I leave that to the people of the CNMI,” he added.
Pula and his staff met with the governor and other local officials to talk about the stimulus grants and other issues involving the federal government like the rehabilitation of power plants on Saipan.
Pula said he will return to his post as director of the Office of Insular Affairs once the president selected a new deputy assistant secretary.
