SLBA President Challenges Opponent to Resign Government Post Before Election

SLBA President Challenges Opponent to Resign Post Before Election

Tuma Adama Jabbi , President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), has publicly called on her challenger in the upcoming presidential election, Registrar General Martina Baindu Egbenda Esq., to vacate her government position before proceeding with her candidacy.

During an appearance on Liberty Online TV, Jabbi argued that maintaining a government appointment while vying for the Bar’s leadership creates an ethical conflict and a double standard within the electoral process. She highlighted that her own previous political involvement faced intense scrutiny from opponents, despite holding only a non-executive board position.

“I call on all meaningful Sierra Leoneans at the Bar and all her supporters, in the interest of the organisation, for my opponent to boldly resign and come into the race to take me head-on,” she stated.

The SLBA President characterized the current situation as a matter of principle rather than a personal dispute, warning that allowing a government appointee to lead the Bar could set a concerning precedent for institutional independence.

“Hypocrisy stinks and it is at its peak,” she added, criticizing what she perceives as inconsistent standards regarding eligibility.

Egbenda, who continues to serve as Registrar General, has declared her intent to contest the seat but has yet to issue a public response to the resignation demand.

The developing situation has drawn significant attention from the legal community, underscoring ongoing debates regarding political neutrality and the integrity of the Bar’s leadership contests.