The suspended Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, has submitted his resignation, paving the way for the appointment of a new police chief. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) received Qiliho’s resignation last Thursday, although the reasons for his decision are not clear.
Qiliho had been suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere on the recommendation of the COC, while facing allegations of misconduct. He continued to receive his full salary as he awaited a tribunal hearing.
On May 9, 2023, Qiliho was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of office, in conjunction with former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who was charged with attempting to obstruct justice. Qiliho’s conviction arose from his directives to stop an investigation related to the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Despite being convicted, the COC was preparing to hold a tribunal to address the original misconduct allegations distinct from the charges leading to his conviction. Qiliho is also facing an additional abuse of office charge in court.
Attorney-General and COC member Graham Leung confirmed that Qiliho’s resignation makes the tribunal no longer necessary. “Mr. Qiliho’s resignation creates a vacancy in the substantive position, enabling us to move forward with advertising the role,” Mr. Leung stated. “We could not move ahead earlier as he was still the substantive post holder despite his conviction.”
Potential candidates for the Commissioner’s role include United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Safety and Security Unaisi Vuniwaqa, former senior police officers Luke Navela and Rusiate Tudravu, and Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong-Chew.