Martina Baindu Egbenda and her campaign team have issued a statement expressing concern over the conduct and governance of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) Annual General Meeting (AGM), reaffirming their commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law within the Association.
In a statement released on Saturday, 1 August 2026, Egbenda thanked members, supporters, and colleagues for their patience, commitment, and unwavering support throughout the election process.
The team criticized the SLBA Board of Directors for what it described as a failure to ensure good governance and facilitate a smooth transition to a new Board, despite extensive preparations for the AGM, which had been scheduled for 31 July to 1 August 2026.
According to the statement, members were initially required to pay their subscriptions by 29 May 2026, despite repeated appeals for an extension to encourage broader participation. The team further noted that the AGM was subsequently postponed indefinitely under Section 185(1) of the Companies Act 2009 (as amended), even though the Association’s previous AGM had been held more than 26 months earlier, on 17 and 18 May 2024.
Egbenda’s team argued that the continued stay of the Directors in office after failing to convene the AGM within the period prescribed by law and the Association’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) raised significant governance concerns.
The statement also referenced legal action taken by the team, explaining that applications were filed before the High Court regarding the management of the Association and the conduct of the AGM. Although the Court delivered its judgment on 23 July 2026, one week before the scheduled AGM, the team alleged that the Directors failed to fully comply with the Court’s orders.
Among the concerns raised was the publication of the membership list late at night at the SLBA Secretariat, which the team claimed did not satisfy the Court’s publication requirements. It further alleged that while the published list contained more than 1,000 names, bank statements produced pursuant to the High Court’s orders indicated that only about 528 members had paid their subscriptions by the stipulated deadline.
The team said these discrepancies raise serious questions about the administration and governance of the Association but stressed that members remain committed to pursuing lawful avenues to ensure the affairs of the SLBA are conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with its governing instruments.
Egbenda also commended the peaceful and dignified conduct of her colleagues, supporters, and campaign team throughout the events, while noting that none of their candidates or supporters were granted access to the AGM venue.
Despite describing the day’s developments as disappointing, the statement highlighted the opportunity for members to meet, network, and engage later in the evening, saying the unity displayed reinforced confidence that their movement would continue to grow stronger.
Reaffirming the team’s vision for the Association, the statement concluded with the slogan: “One Bar, One Voice, One Commitment to the Rule of Law,” while thanking members and supporters for their continued trust, solidarity, and support.
