Sitiveni Qiliho, the suspended Commissioner of Police, has officially resigned, paving the way for a new appointment to the role. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) received his resignation last Thursday, although the details surrounding his decision have not been disclosed.
Qiliho was suspended by President Ratu Willame Katonivere on January 27, 2023, following the COC’s advice due to allegations of misconduct. Throughout the suspension, he continued to receive his full salary while awaiting a tribunal hearing.
On May 9, 2023, he was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison on charges of abuse of office, a case linked to former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who faced a charge of attempting to obstruct justice. Qiliho was charged with abuse of office for ordering the cessation of an investigation related to the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Despite his conviction, the COC was still preparing for a tribunal to investigate the original misconduct allegations, which were distinct from the charges that led to his sentencing. Additionally, he is facing a separate charge of abuse of office in court.
Graham Leung, the Attorney-General and COC member, indicated that Qiliho’s resignation makes the tribunal process unnecessary. “Mr. Qiliho’s resignation creates a vacancy in the substantive position, allowing us to move forward with advertising the role,” Leung stated. “We couldn’t proceed earlier as he was still the substantive post holder 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; and Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong-Chew.