Sitiveni Qiliho, the suspended Commissioner of Police, has officially resigned, paving the way for the appointment of a new police chief. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) received his resignation last Thursday, but the reasons for his decision have not been disclosed.
Qiliho was suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere based on COC’s advice, amid allegations of misconduct. He continued to receive full salary while waiting for a tribunal hearing.
On May 9, 2023, he was found guilty and sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of office, alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who faced charges related to attempting to obstruct justice. Qiliho’s conviction stemmed from his actions to stop an investigation concerning the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Although he was convicted, the COC was preparing for a tribunal to handle previous misconduct allegations that were not related to his conviction. Qiliho also has an additional charge of abuse of office pending in court.
Graham Leung, the Attorney-General and COC member, indicated that Qiliho’s resignation makes the tribunal unnecessary. He noted that the resignation opens the position for a new appointment.
Potential candidates for the Commissioner of Police position include Unaisi Vuniwaqa, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Safety and Security; former senior police officials Luke Navela and Rusiate Tudravu; and the Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong-Chew.