The suspended Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, has officially resigned, paving the way for the appointment of a new police chief. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) acknowledged receiving Qiliho’s resignation last Thursday, but the reasons for his departure remain unspecified.
Qiliho had been suspended on January 27, 2023, following a directive from President Ratu Willame Katonivere, based on advice from the COC, due to allegations of misconduct. He was receiving full pay during this period as he awaited a tribunal hearing.
On May 9, 2023, Qiliho was found guilty and sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of office, a conviction that coincided with charges against former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who was charged with attempting to obstruct justice. Qiliho’s conviction stemmed from his actions to halt an investigation related to an issue at the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Even after his conviction, the COC was still preparing to hold a tribunal regarding the original misconduct claims, which are distinct from the charges that led to his conviction. Furthermore, Qiliho is facing an additional charge of abuse of office in court.
COC member and Attorney-General Graham Leung indicated 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 the role,” Leung stated. “We couldn’t proceed earlier as he was still the substantive post holder despite his conviction.”
Candidates being considered 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.