Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who also chairs the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC), has announced that 29 candidates have applied for the position of Commissioner of Police. This announcement was made during a meeting of the Tailevu Provincial Council at Vuci Village, Tokatoka.
The recruitment process for this position commenced following the resignation of former Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, who was convicted of abuse of office and sentenced to two years in prison in early August. Rabuka stated that the COC would convene soon to review the 29 applications received.
Currently, the role of acting Commissioner of Police is held by Juki Fong Chew. Although Chew has not publicly declared his interest in the permanent position, former Deputy Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has confirmed his application and expressed his respect for the COC’s final decision. Additionally, retired Deputy Commissioner Itendra Nair and former senior officer Unaisi Vuniwaqa have also shown interest in the role.
As of October 11, Rabuka revealed that the delay in the COC’s meeting was due to the absence of Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, who was attending the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. Seruiratu left on October 10 and is expected to be away for ten days, accompanying the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
The applicants will now await the COC’s review process. The COC is comprised of the following members: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, government representative Jon Apted, Cema Bolabola, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, opposition representative Tupou Draunidalo, and Attorney-General Graham Leung.