The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) is preparing to announce the opening for the position of Commissioner of Police in the near future. Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, indicated that the COC is actively pursuing a replacement for the head of the Fiji Police Force.
“The COC will soon advertise the position. We hope for a good number of applicants when the advertisement is released so that we can quickly have a permanent commissioner,” Mr. Tikoduadua stated.
This vacancy was created following the resignation of Sitiveni Qiliho, who stepped down while serving a two-year prison sentence after being suspended on January 27. Consequently, the COC can now move forward in identifying a new candidate for the role. Currently, the position is occupied by Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew.
The COC acts as an advisory entity that offers recommendations to the President of Fiji regarding the appointment of critical public roles, including that of the Commissioner of Police.
The COC is made up of six members, including the Prime Minister serving as chairperson, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Attorney-General. Additionally, two members are appointed by the Prime Minister, while one is chosen by the Leader of the Opposition.