The suspended Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, has officially resigned, paving the way for the appointment of a new chief of police. His resignation was submitted to the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) last Thursday, although the reasons for his decision have not been disclosed.
Qiliho was suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere, following advice from the COC, and had been dealing with misconduct allegations. Throughout the waiting period for a tribunal hearing, he continued to receive his 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 involved his orders to discontinue an investigation related to the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Although he was convicted, the COC was preparing to convene a tribunal to address separate misconduct allegations against him. Qiliho is also facing another abuse of office charge in court.
Graham Leung, Attorney-General and COC member, stated that Qiliho’s resignation makes the tribunal unnecessary. “Mr. Qiliho’s resignation creates a vacancy in the substantive position, allowing us to move forward with advertising the role,” Leung explained, adding that the process could not advance while he remained the holder of the position despite his conviction.
Potential candidates for the new Commissioner of Police include Unaisi Vuniwaqa, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Safety and Security; former senior police officials Luke Navela and Rusiate Tudravu; and Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong-Chew.