Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho will return to the Suva Magistrate’s Court on March 10 for a pretrial conference related to charges of abuse of office. During their previous appearance, they faced serious allegations under Magistrate Jeremaia Savou’s supervision.

Bainimarama has been charged with one count of making unwarranted demands as a public official. He reportedly pressured former Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu to either terminate the employment of two police officers, Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu, or resign himself. This incident is said to have taken place between May 21 and August 18, 2021.

On the other hand, Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office. Allegations against him indicate that between August 5 and August 8, 2021, while serving as Police Commissioner, he intervened by overriding Tudravu’s disciplinary decisions against Ratei and Naulu, which had only involved minor penalties. Instead of adhering to those decisions, Qiliho is alleged to have unjustly terminated the employment of both officers.

The trial is scheduled to commence from June 2 to July 11, 2025, involving approximately 30 witnesses expected to testify. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges, and as the pretrial conference approaches, there is hope for a fair and transparent legal process that upholds accountability within public service.

This case stands as a significant moment for the rule of law in Fiji, underlining essential discussions on ethics and accountability surrounding governmental roles. As the proceedings unfold, many citizens hope for a resolution that strengthens the principles of transparency and integrity in public office.