The suspended Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, has officially resigned, paving the way for the selection of a new top police official. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) acknowledged receipt of Qiliho’s resignation last Thursday, although the reasons for his departure remain undisclosed.
Qiliho had been suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere, following recommendations from the COC, and was facing allegations of misconduct. He had continued to receive full compensation while awaiting a hearing from a tribunal.
Earlier, on May 9, 2023, Qiliho was sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of office, a matter linked to his directives that impeded an investigation into a University of the South Pacific issue in July 2020. This conviction came alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who faced a charge of attempting to obstruct justice.
Despite his conviction, the COC intended to hold a tribunal to review the original allegations against Qiliho, separate from the charges that led to his sentencing. He is also dealing with another abuse of office case currently in court.
Graham Leung, Attorney-General and COC member, stated 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,” Mr. Leung explained. He noted that progress had been stalled because Qiliho still held the substantive position, despite his conviction.
Potential candidates for the role of Commissioner of Police include Unaisi Vuniwaqa, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Safety and Security, along with former senior police officers Luke Navela and Rusiate Tudravu, and the Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong-Chew.