Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Sierra Leone , Abu Bakarr Turay Esq, popularly known as Kabaka has made a formal declaration for the Vice Presidency Position of The Sierra Leone Bar Association in the upcoming election schedule for the 18th May 2024.
Born amidst the regimented rhythms of a military barracks in the town of Daru, nestled within the Kailahun District of Sierra Leone, The CEO of KME and a past PRO of the Sierra Leone Bar Association narrative is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and equity.
I got the name Kabaka right from secondary school days. My school mates knew I was nothing short of a king. A leader. One who cares for others and who, without hestitation, selflessly gives his all. I am colour blind. Yet, behind this alias lies a man named Abu Bakarr Turay, standing before you today with a singular purpose—to solicit your support and endorsement in the upcoming Sierra Leone Bar Association elections scheduled for May 18th.
His declaration speech Reads:
With your backing, I aspire to assume the mantle of Vice President within our esteemed association, pledging to steer our collective endeavors towards new horizons of excellence and inclusivity.
Reflecting on my journey into the legal fraternity, I am reminded of a bygone era—a time characterized by a palpable sense of unity and camaraderie within the Bar. It was an epoch where the ethics and ethos of our profession were upheld by a cadre of dedicated professionals, tirelessly advocating for justice, human rights, and the rule of law. The Bar exams served as a great equalizer, granting entry to individuals from diverse backgrounds, united in their pursuit of legal excellence.
However, as the sands of time have shifted, so too have the dynamics of our profession. The influx of new legal practitioners, far surpassing the double-digit norms of yesteryears, has ushered in an era of unprecedented change and challenge. It is imperative that we confront these realities head-on, acknowledging that the legal fraternity belongs to no single demographic or ideological subset. Every individual who passes the Bar exams deserves to be accorded the respect and privileges befitting a member of our esteemed association.
Yet, beneath the veneer of inclusivity lies a sobering truth—a truth marred by the specter of political patronage, economic disparity, and ideological divisiveness. The Bar, once a bastion of impartiality and integrity, now finds itself entangled in the web of partisan politics and personal agendas. The repercussions of such entanglements are manifold, threatening to erode the very fabric of our profession. It is our duty, as guardians of justice, to restore excellence and order to the legal profession.
We must elevate our standards above the quagmire of mediocrity and sycophancy, fostering an environment where meritocracy reigns supreme, and the pursuit of excellence knows no bounds. In assuming the role of Vice President, I pledge to champion the agenda of our association with unwavering dedication and resolve. My duties shall encompass not only the support of our esteemed President but also the empowerment of every member within our fraternity.
I firmly believe that the true measure of leadership lies not in grandiose promises or self-serving agendas but in the willingness to listen, learn, and lead by example. I acknowledge my own shortcomings but stand resolute in my commitment to growth and self-improvement.
Together, we shall embark upon a journey of collective empowerment, where the voices of the marginalized are amplified, and the ideals of justice and equality are upheld without compromise.
As we stand at this pivotal juncture in the annals of our association, let us heed the clarion call for change and renewal. Let us transcend the barriers of ego and ambition, embracing a future defined by unity, integrity, and mutual respect.
The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but I am confident that together, we possess the fortitude and resilience to overcome any obstacle that lies in our path.
In conclusion, I urge each and every one of you to join me in this noble endeavor—to redeem the glory and prestige of our beloved Bar Association. Your support, your counsel, and your unwavering commitment are indispensable in realizing our collective vision. Let us forge ahead with courage and conviction, knowing that the fruits of our labor shall be borne out in a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come.
Ultimately, we must reclaim the Bar from the claws of social elitism and subtle segregation. We must rescue the Bar from nepotism and the evils of rabid divisiveness. We must raise the standards of the Bar as an association above pettiness, partisan politics, mediocrity and sycophancy. We can only achieve any or all of the above if the Bar’s voice is truly heard and we speak in unison. Foremost, our voice must be heard. Because it is our Bar. A united Bar. Not devoid of disagreements or arguments, rather, these disagreements and arguments must be done in a respectful, healthy and civilized manner. Bearing in mind that one of the greatest catalysts of change is competition.
However, the standards will not be raised at the Bar if our voices are silent and redundant—we need a Bar with a Voice. With deliberate emphasis on unity at the Bar. This is Our Bar. This is Our Voice. Let us redeem its glory together.
Thank you for your time, your attention, and your invaluable support
