Even though former Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu was in charge at the Police Headquarters under contract until August 5th 2021, former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho maintains that as soon as he landed in Fiji, the position reverted to him as the substantial holder of the post.
Qiliho said this under cross examination in the High Court by State Counsel, Laisani Tabuakoro.
Qiliho says just like any overseas trip, as soon as he landed in Fiji, he retained his position as Commissioner.
He was also adamant that he had powers to review Tudravu's decisions as Acting Commissioner.
The former Commissioner also says prior to this trial, he did not know of the appointment of Tudravu as the Acting Commissioner by the Constitutional Officers Commission.
When questioned of his relationship with Bainimarama as he was his junior officer in the military, Qiliho says they maintain a professional relationship, not friends to which the State Counsel says but he calls you Tuks.
Qiliho maintained that the nickname was given to him when he went through Basic Training in 1988 by his team.
Bainimarama is charged with one count of unwarranted demand made by a public official, while former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho is charged with two counts of abuse of office for sacking two police officers in 2021.
It is alleged that Bainimarama and Qiliho made unwarranted demands to then Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, directing him to terminate the employment of certain police officers from the Fiji Police Force.
It is alleged that Bainimarama, between the 21st of May 2021 to the 18th of August 2021 in Suva, as the Prime Minister of Fiji made an unwarranted demand with menance to the then Acting Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, by threatening his employment to influence the Acting COMPOL to comply with his unwarranted demand for the termination of the employment of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Police Constable Tomasi Naulu who came under the supervision and authority of the Commissioner of Police.
It is alleged that between the 5th to the 18th of August 2021 in Suva whilst being employed as the Commissioner of Police, Qiliho directed the termination of employment of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Police Constable Tomasi Naulu without due process which was an abuse of office of his authority as the Commissioner of Police and the termination was prejudicial to the rights Ratei and Naulu.
The trial will continue tomorrow.
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