By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Tuma Adama Jabbi, has pledged the Association’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. Speaking at the Government Weekly Briefing organized by the Ministry of Communications and Civic Education on July 9, 2024, she emphasized the SLBA’s dedication to maintaining high legal standards and supporting the welfare of legal practitioners.
Tuma Adama Jabbi commended the Ministry for its initiative to keep the public informed on vital issues, expressing her best wishes for its continued success. She thanked her colleagues for electing her and outlined her vision for her tenure, which includes “Raising the Bar” by improving professional standards and enhancing support for legal practitioners through scholarships and internships.
Highlighting the SLBA’s role alongside the General Legal Council in disciplining errant lawyers, Tuma Adama Jabbi revealed plans to empower legal practitioners. According to her, a key initiative under her leadership is the establishment of a permanent SLBA Secretariat. She acknowledged the Acting Chief Justice’s provision of temporary space but stressed the need for a dedicated Secretariat, drawing comparisons to the Ghanaian Bar Association’s standard Secretariat. The Bar Association President announced plans to acquire land for the Secretariat through fundraising efforts, humorously mentioning her intention to start by soliciting funds from her husband, Mohamed Gento Kamara.
She also addressed the lack of a private pension scheme for legal practitioners, stating that the SLBA will work with the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) to establish a suitable scheme.
Commenting on the recent Tribunal Report on former Auditor General Lara Taylor-Pearce and Deputy Auditor General Tamba Momoh, she stated that the removal process for the Auditor General mirrors that of a judge, while the Deputy Auditor General’s removal falls to the Board, which she noted should have acted sooner.
Emphasizing the need for swift action, she called on all stakeholders to expedite the report’s submission to Parliament and for a prompt decision by the MPs. She highlighted the importance of closure for Lara Taylor-Pearce, whose case has dragged on for two years.
Tuma Adama Jabbi assured that the SLBA will vigilantly monitor the situation and uphold the law, ready to issue statements and take action if necessary.
Recalling recent developments, she noted that on June 12, 2024, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio received the Tribunal’s report and accepted its recommendations, which included the removal of the Auditor-General and Deputy Auditor-General, aligning with the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.
Regarding reconciliation with aggrieved competitors, Lawyers Augustine Sorie Sengbe Marrah Sengbeh Marrah and Wara Serry Kamal, she disclosed that the Acting Chief Justice, Nicholas Browne Marke, has agreed to mediate. She said the Acting Chief Justice acknowledged that while reconciliation will take time, it is crucial to extend an olive branch further revealing how they are consulting with elders to resolve the misunderstanding.
Tuma Adama Jabbi emphasized the legal status of the SLBA as a company accredited by the Corporate Affairs Commission and urged aggrieved individuals to engage in a reconciliation meeting. She warned against convening an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) without proper authority, stating that any such gathering would be deemed illegal and unrecognized by the Corporate Affairs Commission. She also cautioned the Management of the New Brookfields Hotel against hosting an unauthorized meeting, deeming it as aiding and abetting an illegal action.
