Sitiveni Qiliho, the suspended Commissioner of Police, has officially resigned, paving the way for the selection of a new police chief. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) received his resignation last Thursday, but the reasons behind his departure have not been disclosed.
Qiliho was suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere following advice from the COC due to allegations of misconduct. During the suspension, he continued to receive his full salary while waiting for a tribunal hearing.
On May 9, 2023, he was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of office, alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who faced separate charges. Qiliho’s conviction was linked to orders he issued to stop an investigation regarding a matter at the University of the South Pacific back in July 2020.
Even after his conviction, the COC was preparing to move forward with a tribunal for the initial misconduct allegations, which were distinct from the charges that led to his conviction. Qiliho is also dealing with another abuse of office charge in the courts.
Attorney-General and COC member Graham Leung stated that Qiliho’s resignation eliminates the need for the tribunal. He noted, “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.”
Potential candidates for the position of Commissioner of Police include Unaisi Vuniwaqa, a United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Safety and Security, former senior officers Luke Navela and Rusiate Tudravu, and Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong-Chew.