The suspended Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, has submitted his resignation, paving the way for the appointment of a new police chief. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) acknowledged the receipt of Qiliho’s resignation last Thursday, though the motives behind his decision remain unknown.
Qiliho was suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere, following recommendations from the COC. He had been under investigation for allegations of misconduct but continued to receive his full salary while awaiting a tribunal hearing.
In a significant legal development, Qiliho was sentenced on May 9, 2023, to two years in prison for abuse of office, alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama who faced charges for attempting to obstruct justice. The charges against Qiliho were linked to directives issued in July 2020 to stop an investigation concerning the University of the South Pacific.
Despite the conviction, the COC had been preparing to convene a tribunal to address separate misconduct allegations against Qiliho. Additionally, he is facing another abuse of office charge 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 for the role,” Leung said, indicating that progress had been stalled due to Qiliho retaining his position despite the 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.