The suspended Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, has officially resigned, paving the way for the appointment of a new leader for the police force. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) acknowledged receiving Qiliho’s resignation last Thursday, although the reasons for his departure remain unclear.
Qiliho had been suspended since January 27, 2023, following a directive from President Ratu Willame Katonivere on the advice of the COC due to accusations of misconduct. During the suspension, he continued to receive his full salary while awaiting a tribunal hearing.
In May 2023, Qiliho was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of office, alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. Qiliho’s charges originated from directives he issued to stop an investigation into a matter related to the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Despite his conviction, the COC had been preparing to convene a tribunal to address the initial misconduct allegations, which were distinct from the charges leading to his conviction. Qiliho is also facing another charge of abuse of office in court.
Attorney-General and COC member Graham Leung confirmed that Qiliho’s resignation makes tribunal proceedings unnecessary. “Mr. Qiliho’s resignation creates a vacancy in the substantive position, allowing us to move forward with advertising the role,” Mr. Leung stated. “We couldn’t proceed earlier as he was still the substantive post holder despite his conviction.”
Potential candidates for the position of Commissioner of Police include United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Safety and Security Unaisi Vuniwaqa, former senior police officers Luke Navela and Rusiate Tudravu, along with Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong-Chew.