29 Applications for COMPOL Position

The Prime Minister and chairperson of the Constitutional Offices Commission, Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that 29 people have applied for the vacant Commissioner of Police position.

Mr Rabuka made the comment during the Tailevu Provincial Council meeting at Vuci Village, Tokatoka yesterday.

The position was advertised soon after the former COMPOL, Sitiveni Qiliho resigned early August following his conviction for abuse of office charges that landed him two years imprisonment. 29

Yesterday, Mr Rabuka confirmed the COC will meet soon where the 29 applications will be considered.

Currently, the acting COMPOL position is held by Juki Fong Chew.

Although Mr Chew has remained tight lipped about his interest in the position, former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu has confirmed applying; he had stated that he would respect whatever decision the COC makes.

Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Itendra Nair has also expressed his interest among former senior officer Unaisi Vuniwaqa.

As of October 11, Mr Rabuka told this masthead that the delay in their meeting was because Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruiratu was still out of the country.

Mr Seruiratu left on October 10 to attend the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

Mr Seruiratu will be away for 10 days; he had accompanied the Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.

The 29 applicants will now await the processes of the COC.

Members of the COC include: 

• Mr Rabuka,
• Government representative Jon Apted,
• Cema Bolabola,
• Mr Seruiratu,
• Opposition representative Tupou Draunidalo and
• Attorney-General Graham Leung.

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