The leadership of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) is facing increasing scrutiny as concerns mount over what some members describe as a pattern of disregarding official directives during the association’s ongoing electoral process.
At the centre of the debate is SLBA President Adama Tuma Jabbie, whose administration has come under criticism from sections of the Bar over its handling of key issues relating to the upcoming elections.
Critics point to a series of events that they argue raise legitimate questions about the executive’s commitment to transparency and compliance with lawful directives. Among the issues cited are allegations that the executive failed to act promptly on directives issued by the Attorney General, did not comply with guidance from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and only published the court-ordered voter register late on 29 July after a High Court directive.
Although the voter register was eventually released, members have questioned why it took a court order to compel its publication. They also argue that the register was only made available at approximately 11:00 p.m.—well after normal business hours—and only through a video shared on the Secretariat’s WhatsApp forum rather than through broader official channels.
The controversy has prompted further questions because voter registration reportedly closed more than two months ago. Some lawyers argue that if the register had already been finalized, there was no apparent reason for withholding it from members until compelled by the court.
For many within the association, the issue extends beyond the timing of the publication. They argue that transparency is fundamental to the credibility of any democratic election, particularly within an institution responsible for upholding the rule of law.
Supporters of the current executive may contend that the court’s directive was ultimately complied with. However, critics maintain that delayed compliance is not the same as proactive transparency, especially where members had repeatedly requested access to the voter register before resorting to litigation.
As the SLBA prepares for its Annual General Meeting and elections, many members are now calling for greater openness, timely compliance with lawful directives, and strict adherence to the association’s constitutional and legal obligations.
At the time of writing, Adama Tuma Jabbie and the SLBA executive had not publicly responded to the concerns raised by members regarding the timing of the publication of the voter register or the allegations of delayed compliance with official directives.
