Sitiveni Qiliho, the suspended Commissioner of Police, has submitted his resignation, paving the way for a new appointment in the role. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) acknowledged receiving his resignation last Thursday, although the reasons for his departure have not been disclosed.
Qiliho was suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere based on COC recommendations, amid allegations of misconduct. He continued to receive his full salary while awaiting a tribunal hearing.
On May 9, 2023, Qiliho was convicted of abuse of office and sentenced to two years in prison, alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who was charged with attempting to obstruct justice. Qiliho’s conviction stemmed from directives he issued to cease an investigation related to the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Despite this conviction, the COC had been preparing a tribunal to address Qiliho’s original misconduct allegations, which were distinct from the charges he faced. He additionally has a pending court case concerning another abuse of office charge.
Attorney-General and COC member Graham Leung confirmed that Qiliho’s resignation eliminates the need for a tribunal. Leung stated, “Mr. Qiliho’s resignation creates a vacancy in the substantive position, allowing us to move forward with advertising the role. We couldn’t proceed earlier as he was still the substantive post holder despite his conviction.”
Potential candidates for the position of Commissioner of Police include Unaisi Vuniwaqa, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Safety and Security, former senior police officers Luke Navela and Rusiate Tudravu, as well as Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong-Chew.