By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Presidential Candidate of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Tuma Adama Jabbi, has officially declared her intention to seek re-election as President of the Association, calling on members to support her bid for another term under the campaign theme: “Raising the Bar. Securing the Gains.”
Addressing members of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Tuma Adama Jabbi said she is seeking a renewed mandate with a profound sense of responsibility, service and commitment to the legal profession. She noted that her decision to contest for re-election was driven by the desire to consolidate the progress made during her tenure and continue advancing the interests of legal practitioners across the country.
“With a profound sense of responsibility, service and commitment to our noble profession, I, Tuma Adama Jabbi, once again humbly seek your support for re-election as President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association,” she stated.
Reflecting on her administration’s achievements over the past two years, Tuma Adama Jabbi said her leadership had focused on “Raising the Bar” through standards, empowerment and welfare for members of the Association. According to her, significant strides have been made in strengthening the welfare and professional growth of lawyers while enhancing the institutional standing of the Bar.
She highlighted key accomplishments of her administration, including the launch of a Private Pension Scheme through the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), the securing of international scholarships and professional development opportunities for members and efforts aimed at improving the financial stability of the Association.
Tuma Adama Jabbi further disclosed that her leadership secured a suitable land for the construction of a permanent Secretariat for the Sierra Leone Bar Association, while also strengthening collaboration with key national institutions in promoting the rule of law.
She emphasized that the Association had gained increased recognition both regionally and internationally, noting that efforts were also made to foster unity and engagement among members through fellowship, social activities and stronger institutional relationships, particularly with the Judiciary and other partners.
“We moved from promises to launching the Private Pension Scheme through NASSIT; securing international scholarships and professional development opportunities for members; strengthening the financial stability of the Association; securing suitable land for the construction of our permanent Secretariat; deepening collaboration with key national institutions in advancing the rule of law and elevating the standing and visibility of the SLBA both regionally and internationally,” she stated.
Despite the progress made, Tuma Adama Jabbi maintained that the work of transforming the Association was far from complete. She stressed that the next phase of leadership should focus on consolidation, continuity and transformation to secure existing gains while expanding opportunities for members.
“The next phase must be one of consolidation, continuity and transformation, securing the gains we have made, expanding opportunities for members, strengthening welfare and professionalism, and building a Bar Association that is stronger, more respected and better positioned for the future,” she said.
Tuma Adama Jabbi further urged members of the Sierra Leone Bar Association to remain united and committed to building on the progress already achieved, emphasizing that now is not the time to slow down but rather a moment to move forward collectively.
“This is not the time to slow down. This is the time to build on progress, to move higher and to move together,” she emphasized.
Reaffirming her campaign message, Tuma Adama Jabbi called on members of the Association to continue partnering with her in advancing the future of the legal profession and the Sierra Leone Bar Association.
“I respectfully seek your vote, your trust and your continued partnership,” she concluded.
