Tudravu testifies in Bainimarama-Qiliho case: police chief says he took demands in stride and did not keep records
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu told the Suva High Court today that he did not rebel or resign when faced with former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s demands to dismiss two officers or quit. He said he chose to take the matter in stride and did not share details at the time.
Tudravu also said he had kept the information private until now because he wanted the truth told. Defense counsel Devanesh Sharma pressed him on why he didn’t take screenshots or create records of messages from Bainimarama. Tudravu replied that documenting such exchanges was not his priority at the moment, and he insisted there was no ulterior motive, only a focus on meeting the former PM’s demands.
The commissioner added that he did not know the messages would later be deleted by Bainimarama and that his resignation was not voluntary but demanded by the PM. During re-examination, the state asked Tudravu whether he had returned the phone used in the acting Police Commissioner role, along with his resignation letter; he confirmed both were returned. He also noted the phone had some issues.
The state said it would call three more witnesses to discuss technical issues related to the Viber platform.
In the case, Bainimarama faces one count of making unwarranted demands as a public official, while former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office. It is alleged that between May and August 2021, Bainimarama pressured Tudravu, then acting commissioner, to dismiss officers Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu or resign. Qiliho is accused of overriding Tudravu’s disciplinary decisions and unlawfully terminating both officers between August 5 and August 18, 2021.
Context from related proceedings and added background
– Earlier testimony has outlined Tudravu’s appointment process, including an interview sequence and official letters from the President after recommendation by the Constitutional Office’s Commission. The witness described professional communications with the line minister and the Prime Minister, with Ministers not interfering in police duties.
– Deputy Director of Human Resources Jovilisi Leweniqila testified that orders to terminate Ratei and Naulu came directly from Qiliho, and officers were given only three days to respond, far shorter than the standard 14-day window.
– The prosecution continues to rely on documentary evidence, including search warrants and materials related to Tudravu and Qiliho, as part of its effort to establish timeline and authority in the disciplinary process.
– Testimony has also touched on other elements connected to the Bainimarama circle, including discussions around an informant connected to the case and the handling of statements pertaining to officers’ actions in a Viber group chat.
Context and outlook
Observers view the proceedings as a significant gauge of governance ethics, accountability, and the independence of Fiji’s public service. A thorough, transparent presentation of evidence and a fair ruling could reinforce public trust in institutions and the integrity of policing practices. The court process continues with Tudravu as a central witness, as both sides seek to establish how disciplinary decisions were made and whether political influence over police actions occurred.
Added value and commentary
– The case highlights the ongoing tension between political oversight and professional police independence, a debate with wide implications for civil-service protections and due process.
– If proven, claims of undue interference could prompt reforms in oversight and disciplinary procedures within Fiji’s public service.
– Conversely, if the defense can show that actions were within legal bounds and properly followed, it could underscore the limits of executive authority in internal discipline.
Short summary
– Tudravu testified that he did not rebel or resign under Bainimarama’s pressure and that he did not initially record or screenshot exchanges.
– Bainimarama is charged with unwarranted demands; Qiliho with abuse of office for allegedly overruling disciplinary actions.
– The case centers on the May–August 2021 period and the termination or threatened termination of two officers, with additional testimony anticipated on Viber communications and document handling.
Overall, the proceedings continue to illuminate questions of governance ethics, police independence, and civil-service protections in Fiji, with public interest focused on ensuring accountability and due process.
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