The suspended Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, 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 for his decision remain unknown.
Qiliho was suspended on January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere upon the recommendation of the COC and had been dealing with allegations of misconduct. Throughout this period, he continued to receive full salary while pending a tribunal hearing.
On May 9, 2023, Qiliho was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of office, along with former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. Bainimarama was charged with attempting to obstruct justice, while Qiliho was found guilty for his role in stopping an investigation into matters at the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Despite his conviction, the COC had been preparing for a tribunal to address other misconduct allegations that were distinct from the convictions. Qiliho is also facing additional abuse of office charges in court.
Attorney-General and COC member Graham Leung confirmed that Qiliho’s resignation makes the tribunal unnecessary. “Mr. Qiliho’s resignation creates a vacancy in the substantive position, allowing us to move forward with advertising the role,” Leung stated. “We couldn’t proceed earlier as he was still the substantive post holder despite his conviction.”
Several candidates are being considered for the position of Commissioner of Police, including 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.