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 behind his departure have not been disclosed.
Qiliho had been suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere on the COC’s recommendation, amid allegations of misconduct. While awaiting a tribunal hearing, he continued to receive a full salary.
On May 9, 2023, Qiliho was found guilty and sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of office, alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. Bainimarama was charged with attempting to obstruct justice, while Qiliho’s conviction was related to his instructions to cease an investigation concerning the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Despite his conviction, the COC had been preparing a tribunal to address separate misconduct allegations against Qiliho. He also faces an additional charge of abuse of office currently in court.
Attorney-General and COC member Graham Leung stated that Qiliho’s resignation eliminates the need for the tribunal. Leung remarked, “Mr. Qiliho’s resignation creates a vacancy in the substantive position, allowing us to move forward with advertising the role. We couldn’t proceed earlier as he was still the substantive post holder despite his conviction.”
Candidates being considered for the role 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, and Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong-Chew.