The suspended Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, has officially resigned, paving the way for a new appointment to the position. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) accepted his resignation last Thursday, but the reasons for his decision have not been disclosed.
Qiliho was suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere following advice from the COC due to allegations of misconduct. While awaiting a tribunal hearing, he continued to receive his full salary.
On May 9, 2023, he was convicted of abuse of office and sentenced to two years in prison, alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who was convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Qiliho’s conviction was related to his instructions to cease an investigation related to the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Despite the conviction, the COC was preparing to hold a tribunal to examine the original misconduct allegations against Qiliho, which were distinct from the charges that led to his conviction. He is also facing another abuse of office charge currently in court.
Graham Leung, the Attorney-General and a COC member, confirmed that Qiliho’s resignation makes the tribunal unnecessary. “Mr. Qiliho’s resignation creates a vacancy in the substantive position, allowing us to move forward with advertising the role,” Leung stated. “We couldn’t proceed earlier as he was still the substantive post holder despite his conviction.”
Candidates being considered for the Commissioner of Police position include Unaisi Vuniwaqa, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Safety and Security; former senior police officers Luke Navela and Rusiate Tudravu; and Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong-Chew.