Candidate for President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Martina Baindu Egbenda, has expressed concern over what she describes as persistent administrative challenges affecting members’ ability to complete and regularize subscription payments ahead of the forthcoming Bar elections.
In a statement issued on 28 May 2026 titled “The Bar Deserves Better,” Egbenda noted that despite earlier public concerns raised by members, the situation remains unresolved, creating frustration within the legal community.
She specifically highlighted reports that the Treasurer was reportedly outside Freetown attending an AWOGA public lecture, while members were still unable to access services required to complete their payments.
Egbenda described the situation as “deeply disappointing,” arguing that it reflects a lack of administrative responsiveness and respect for members of the Bar.
She also rejected attempts to dismiss the concerns as “last-minute panic” or political distraction, stating that such characterisations were disrespectful, particularly to senior practitioners who have reportedly made repeated visits to complete routine administrative processes.
According to her, members are not requesting special treatment but are instead calling for accessibility, efficiency, and professionalism in the management of the Association’s affairs.
“The issue has never been whether the Treasurer has other professional or regional obligations. The issue is whether those entrusted with the administration of the Association are discharging their responsibilities with seriousness, efficiency, and accountability at this critical democratic moment,” she stated.
Egbenda further stressed that the Sierra Leone Bar Association must not be treated as a private entity subject to inaccessibility or administrative bottlenecks, warning that members should not be made to feel their democratic participation depends on the availability of any single officeholder.
She also cautioned against remarks suggesting that members who experienced difficulties were unprofessional for not completing payments earlier, describing such comments as unfair and dismissive of the realities faced by legal practitioners balancing demanding workloads.
According to her, the credibility of the Bar’s democratic process depends not only on established rules but also on fair, transparent, and consistent administration that commands the confidence of its members.
Egbenda urged members of the Bar to remain calm, united, and focused on safeguarding the integrity of the institution, while encouraging continued use of designated banking channels as efforts continue to resolve outstanding concerns.
She concluded by reaffirming her call for leadership rooted in service, accountability, professionalism, and respect for all members of the legal profession, stating that the Sierra Leone Bar Association “deserves better.”
