A former senior police o fficer thinks h e would make the next best commissioner of the force.

Former deputy police commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, who left the force after he challenged the authority of his superior, now fancies himself for the top job.

The onus though rests on the appointing authority – the Constitutional Offices Commission – which has yet to convene a hearing aga inst suspended Police Commission Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho.

Late last night, Home Affairs minister Pio Tikoduadua said the post was not up for grabs yet.

“Anyone interested can apply for the job, but I don’t think the CoC will acknowledge it, because the essential thing is for the position to be vacant,” the minister said.

“Anyone can apply when its ready.”

In the event the position the commissioner’s job is advertised, Mr Tudravu will apply.

“I’m eligible,” he said.

“I was not approached for the position, but I will apply.”

Mr Tudravu’s interest stemmed from his experience as acting commissioner for a year in 2020, when now suspended Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho, was on study leave in the United Kingdom.

“I will follow the process,” he said.

Mr Tudravu rose through the ranks before he retired after 39 years of service.

He is the chairman of the Tailevu Provincial Council.

More recently, he was a prosecution witness against former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho. Senior police officers would vouch for Mr Tudravu, for his leadership style and strength in operations.

Chew could be chosen Acting Commissioner Juki Fong Chew – known for his strength in administration – continues to demonstrate remarkable leadership traits that make him another exceptional choice for the job.

He heads the force while Brigadier- General Qiliho faces a tribunal for a host of allegations.

Another ideal choice United Nations assistant secretary- general for Safety and Security,

Unaisi Vuniwaqa, was approached to succeed BrigadierGeneral Qiliho.

Formerly a police commissioner, she led the police component with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and played a major role in promoting Gender Responsive Policing initiatives.

With 35 years of service to the force, Ms Vuniwaqa holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of the South Pacific (USP).

She would bring a strong female perspective to leadership in the force.

Other notables include retired police officer Luke Navela.

The Fiji Police Force has a workforce of close to 5000 men and women.

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