The suspended Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, has officially resigned, paving the way for the appointment of a new police chief. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) acknowledged receiving Qiliho’s resignation last Thursday, although the reasons behind his departure remain unspecified.
Qiliho’s suspension took effect on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere on the advice of the COC, following allegations of misconduct. While awaiting a tribunal hearing, he continued to receive his full salary.
On May 9, 2023, Qiliho was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of office, alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. Bainimarama faced charges related to attempting to pervert the course of justice, while Qiliho’s conviction pertained to his orders to stop an investigation regarding an incident at the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Despite his conviction, the COC was preparing to convene a tribunal to address misconduct allegations that were separate from the charges leading to his conviction. Additionally, Qiliho is contending with another abuse of office charge currently in court.
Graham Leung, the Attorney-General and a COC member, confirmed that Qiliho’s resignation eliminates the need for the tribunal. He stated, “Mr. Qiliho’s resignation creates a vacancy in the substantive position, allowing us to move forward with advertising the role.” He added that the process could not advance earlier since Qiliho still held the position despite his conviction.
Potential candidates for the Commissioner of Police role include Unaisi Vuniwaqa, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Safety and Security, as well as former senior police officials Luke Navela and Rusiate Tudravu, along with Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong-Chew.