The suspended Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, has officially resigned, paving the way for the selection of a new head of police. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) acknowledged Qiliho’s resignation last Thursday, although the specific reasons for his decision have not been disclosed.
Qiliho was suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere, based on a recommendation from the COC, amid allegations of misconduct. Throughout the suspension, he continued to receive his full salary while awaiting a tribunal hearing.
On May 9, 2023, Qiliho was found guilty and sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of office in connection with his actions regarding an investigation into a University of the South Pacific issue from July 2020. He was convicted alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Despite his conviction, the COC was in the process of arranging a tribunal to address misconduct allegations that were different from the charges that led to his conviction. Additionally, Qiliho faces another charge of abuse of office in court.
Graham Leung, the Attorney-General and a member of the COC, 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,” Leung said. He noted that they could not advance the process earlier since Qiliho was still officially holding the position despite his conviction.
Potential candidates for the Commissioner of Police position include Unaisi Vuniwaqa, the 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.