The suspended Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, has submitted his resignation, paving the way for the selection of a new police chief. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) acknowledged receiving Qiliho’s resignation last Thursday, although the motivations behind his departure have not been disclosed.
Qiliho was suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere, based on the COC’s recommendation, due to allegations of misconduct. Despite the allegations, he continued to receive his full salary while waiting for a tribunal hearing.
On May 9, 2023, Qiliho was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison on abuse of office charges, along with former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who faced a charge of attempting to obstruct justice. Qiliho’s conviction related to his orders to halt an investigation involving the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Although he was convicted, the COC was preparing to initiate a tribunal to review separate misconduct allegations against him. Additionally, Qiliho faces another court charge related to abuse of office.
Attorney-General and COC member Graham Leung stated that Qiliho’s resignation eliminates 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,” Mr. Leung remarked. He noted that the process could not proceed earlier since Qiliho was still officially in the position, despite his conviction.
Potential candidates for the role of Commissioner of Police 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.