The suspended Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, has officially resigned, paving the way for the appointment of a new police chief. His resignation was received by the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) last Thursday, but the reasons behind his decision are not yet known.
Qiliho was suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere following recommendations from the COC, amid ongoing 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, who faced charges for attempting to pervert the course of justice. Qiliho’s conviction was related to directives he issued to stop an investigation concerning a matter at the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Although he was convicted, the COC had been preparing to conduct a tribunal to address separate misconduct allegations. Qiliho also faces another charge of abuse of office still pending in court.
Graham Leung, Attorney-General and COC member, confirmed that Qiliho’s resignation negates the need for the tribunal. “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.”
Potential candidates to replace Qiliho as Commissioner of Police include Unaisi Vuniwaqa, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Safety and Security, as well as former senior police officers Luke Navela and Rusiate Tudravu, along with Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong-Chew.