Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who also chairs the Constitutional Offices Commission, has announced that 29 individuals have submitted applications for the vacant Commissioner of Police position. Rabuka shared this information during the Tailevu Provincial Council meeting held at Vuci Village, Tokatoka.
The vacancy arose following the resignation of former Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho in early August, who stepped down after being sentenced to two years in prison for charges of abuse of office. Rabuka indicated that the Commission will hold a meeting soon to review the 29 applications.
Currently, Juki Fong Chew serves as the acting Commissioner of Police. While Chew has not disclosed whether he intends to apply for the permanent position, former Deputy Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has confirmed his application and expressed respect for the Commission’s forthcoming decision.
Retired Deputy Commissioner Itendra Nair and former senior officer Unaisi Vuniwaqa have also shown interest in the role. As of October 11, Rabuka noted that the delay in the Commission’s meeting was due to Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu being out of the country. Seruiratu left on October 10 to participate in the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, and is expected to be away for 10 days, accompanying the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
The applicants now await the next steps from the Constitutional Offices Commission, which includes members such as Rabuka, government representative Jon Apted, Cema Bolabola, Seruiratu, opposition representative Tupou Draunidalo, and Attorney-General Graham Leung.