Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who also chairs the Constitutional Offices Commission, has announced that 29 candidates have applied for the vacant position of Commissioner of Police.
Rabuka made this statement during the Tailevu Provincial Council meeting held in Vuci Village, Tokatoka. The position was advertised following the resignation of former Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho in early August, who was sentenced to two years in prison for charges related to abuse of office.
The Constitutional Offices Commission is expected to convene soon to review the 29 applications submitted. Currently, Juki Fong Chew is serving as the acting Commissioner of Police. Although Chew has not publicly expressed interest in the permanent position, former Deputy Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has confirmed his application and stated that he will respect the decision of the Commission.
Additionally, retired Deputy Commissioner Itendra Nair and former senior officer Unaisi Vuniwaqa have also shown interest in the role.
Rabuka noted that the delay in the Commission’s meeting was due to the absence of Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, who is currently attending the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. Seruiratu left on October 10 and will be away for ten days alongside the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
The applicants will now wait for the Commission’s review process to unfold.
The members of the Constitutional Offices Commission include:
– Sitiveni Rabuka (Chairperson)
– Jon Apted (Government representative)
– Cema Bolabola
– Inia Seruiratu (Opposition Leader)
– Tupou Draunidalo (Opposition representative)
– Graham Leung (Attorney-General)