The suspended Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, has officially resigned, paving the way for the selection of a new police chief. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) received his resignation last Thursday, but the reasons for his decision remain undisclosed.
Qiliho was suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere, following recommendations from the COC, amid allegations of misconduct. Despite the suspension, he continued to receive his full salary while awaiting a tribunal hearing.
On May 9, 2023, Qiliho was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of office in connection with his attempts to obstruct an investigation into a matter involving the University of the South Pacific in July 2020. He was convicted alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who faced charges for attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Even after his conviction, the COC had been preparing to initiate a tribunal to address the misconduct allegations, which were separate from the charges that led to his conviction. Additionally, Qiliho is facing another abuse of office charge in court.
Attorney-General and COC member Graham Leung confirmed that Qiliho’s resignation eliminates the need for a tribunal. “Mr. Qiliho’s resignation creates a vacancy in the substantive position, allowing us to move forward with advertising the role,” Leung stated. He added that progress had been stalled due to Qiliho still holding the official post despite his conviction.
Potential candidates for the Commissioner of Police position include Unaisi Vuniwaqa, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Safety and Security, former senior police officers Luke Navela and Rusiate Tudravu, as well as Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong-Chew.