PM in talks with line minister over ComPol controversy

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, said he would be in talks with the Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, with regards to Commissioner of Police, Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho.

This is after the controversial decision by Brigadier-General Qiliho who roped in the Republic of Military Forces after reports of alleged violence and tension after the 2022 General Election results were released.

It is understood that this decision prompted the Force’s Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdul Khan to resign which was accepted by Brigadier-General Qiliho.

Mr Rabuka disclosed that Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho showed lack of confidence when he warned the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to be on stand-by last week.

Mr Rabuka said: “That has to be looked at very quickly because he showed he did not have the confidence, he did not have the confidence in his rank.”

“When he said that he needed the support of the Army, Commissioner of Police should be confident enough of his senior officers and reassure the Prime Minister at that time.

When contacted last night, Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho claimed that conversations of such nature between him and Mr Rabuka and Mr Tikoduadua had not come up.

“If he wants to have a conversation with me, I’m ready to have that conversation,” Mr Qiliho said.

“I have not heard anything, this is the first that I have heard this.”

“I’m talking to the minister for Home Affairs. I’ve just spoken to him just a few minutes ago.”

“If someone has to talk to him, I will talk to him. He’s the head of Government and I respect that.”