Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who also chairs the Constitutional Offices Commission, has announced that 29 candidates have applied for the position of Commissioner of Police, which became vacant after the resignation of Sitiveni Qiliho in early August. Qiliho resigned following his conviction for abuse of office, which resulted in a two-year prison sentence.
Rabuka made this announcement during the Tailevu Provincial Council meeting held at Vuci Village, Tokatoka. He stated that the Constitutional Offices Commission will convene soon to review the 29 applications received for the role.
The acting Commissioner of Police is currently Juki Fong Chew. While Chew has not publicly expressed his interest in the permanent position, former Deputy Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has confirmed his application and stated he will abide by the Commission’s decision.
Additionally, retired Deputy Commissioner Itendra Nair and former senior officer Unaisi Vuniwaqa have also expressed their interest in the role. Rabuka mentioned that the delay in the Commission’s meeting is due to Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu being out of the country. Seruiratu left on October 10 to attend the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, and is expected to be away for ten days alongside the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
The Constitutional Offices Commission is now set to process the applications. The Commission’s members include:
– Mr. Rabuka
– Government representative Jon Apted
– Cema Bolabola
– Mr. Seruiratu
– Opposition representative Tupou Draunidalo
– Attorney-General Graham Leung