By Dr John Sesay Esq (LL.B, LL.M, PhD, SJD)
The Sierra Leone Bar Association was established as a premier independent body of legal professionals, designed to serve as a formidable bulwark for justice and the primary custodian of the rule of law. Founded on British common law traditions, its historical mandate has always been to hold power accountable, safeguard constitutional democracy, and ensure that the administration of justice remains impartial.
A robust and independent Bar is essential for a functioning democracy; it ensures that the rights of citizens are protected against executive excesses and that the legal profession remains a noble, self-regulating institution. For decades, the association commanded immense public respect because it spoke with a singular, authoritative voice that transcended partisan politics.
However, the constitutional integrity of this vital institution was severely compromised during the controversial 2024 annual general meeting in Kenema. The highly contested selection of Miss Tuma Jabbie as president was not just a procedural failure; it was a fundamental assault on the democratic values the Bar is sworn to protect. By bypassing transparent, credible voting processes and relying on a fractured, widely boycotted selection mechanism, the event in Kenema stripped the leadership of its moral authority and institutional legitimacy. This dark chapter deeply fractured the camaraderie among legal practitioners, alienated the public, and eroded the historic reputation of the Bar Association, reducing a respected legal authority to an object of public ridicule and internal bitterness.
The legacy of Miss Tuma Jabbie’s tenure has unfortunately proven to be deeply divisive for our noble profession. Rather than healing the wounds of Kenema, her leadership has deepened the cracks within our membership, alienating senior colleagues and disillusioned younger practitioners alike. Under her administration, the Bar has largely lost its voice on critical national issues, giving the impression that personal ambitions and political alignments have been placed above institutional duties. By allowing partisan undertones to overshadow the association’s core mandate, this leadership has transformed what should be a unifying force into a weapon of division, leaving behind a fractured Bar that is currently incapable of standing as an independent arbiter of justice.
The path to redemption and institutional healing lies in the visionary leadership of Madam Martina Baidu Egbenda. As a highly competent unifier, Madam Egbenda possesses the professional integrity and the inclusive approach needed to repair our broken foundation and restore our lost glory. She understands that the Bar Association does not belong to any single faction, region, or political party. Her candidacy represents a return to decency, institutional respect, and professional dignity. By engaging all sides, listening to aggrieved members, and restoring transparent governance, Madam Egbenda is uniquely positioned to bridge the current divide, mend our broken relationships, and rebuild a Bar Association that every lawyer can once again be proud of.
We must remember that before we are supporters of any political party, we are first and foremost officers of the court. Our sacred oath is not to a political color or a partisan agenda; our oath is to protect and defend the rule of law without fear or favor. Partisan politics has no place in the governance of the Bar, and when we allow external political battles to dictate our leadership, we fail our profession and we fail the people of Sierra Leone who rely on us to defend justice. We must strip away the toxic politics of division and remember the noble ethics that bind us together as a learned fraternity, ensuring that our collective voice remains independent and uncompromised.
The upcoming election is a crucial turning point to rescue our noble profession from complete institutional decay. We must collectively reject the legacy of manipulation and division that has stained our reputation since 2024. Let us stand together across all political lines to vote for restoration, unity, and professional excellence. Cast your vote for Madam Martina Baidu Egbenda to reclaim the independence of our Bar, restore our moral authority, and ensure that the rule of law remains our ultimate guide.
