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 Qiliho’s resignation last Thursday, though the reasons behind his departure remain undisclosed.
Qiliho was suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere following advice from the COC, amid allegations of misconduct. While awaiting a tribunal hearing, he continued to receive a full salary.
On May 9, 2023, Qiliho was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of office, alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who faced charges of attempting to obstruct justice. Qiliho’s conviction was tied to directives he issued to terminate an investigation involving the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Despite his conviction, the COC was preparing to hold a tribunal to address separate original misconduct allegations against Qiliho. He also faces an additional abuse of office charge in court.
Attorney-General and COC member Graham Leung confirmed that Qiliho’s resignation eliminates the need for the tribunal. “Mr. Qiliho’s resignation creates a vacancy in the substantive position, allowing us to move forward with advertising the role,” Leung stated, adding that they were unable to proceed previously since he still held the position despite his conviction.
Potential candidates for the Commissioner of Police role include Unaisi Vuniwaqa, the 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.