SLBA Crisis "Denigrates" Legal Profession, Warns Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai

SLBA Crisis "Denigrates" Legal Profession, Warns Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai

Constitutional lawyer Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai has launched a scathing critique of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), describing the current internal turmoil as a "disgraceful" spectacle that is actively damaging the integrity of the nation's legal entity. 

Speaking during a recent appearance on AYV’s Wake Up Salone program, Dr. Abdulai, a practitioner with nearly 18 years of experience, expressed profound disappointment over the deteriorating state of affairs. He noted that the ongoing friction within the association is "painful to witness" for veteran members of the bar.

“It is disgraceful what is happening in the Bar Association, and I feel very sad,” Dr. Abdulai stated, breaking his long-standing personal silence on the association's internal politics. He warned that the conduct of his peers is undermining the very foundation of their calling.

The controversy stems from the SLBA’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Bintumani Conference Centre which have been encountering delays since its announcement months ago. Scheduled electoral processes were reportedly derailed by significant disruptions, leading to a fractured leadership transition that has left observers and legal professionals alike questioning the association's independence.

Dr. Abdulai emphasized that lawyers bear a unique societal responsibility to uphold fairness and institutional respect. 

“I don’t think lawyers should be doing this to themselves because it denigrates the profession completely,” he added, urging for a resolution that restores public confidence.

As the fallout continues, the legal community remains divided. 

Observers warn that if the SLBA fails to address these concerns of credibility and unity, the independence of one of Sierra Leone’s most critical civil society pillars may be permanently compromised.