Former Secretary General of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Umaru Napoleon Koroma, has reflected on the solemn national farewell ceremonies held in honour of one of Sierra Leone’s most respected legal minds and a distinguished SLPP stalwart, the late Dr. Bu-Buakei Jabbie Esq.

The day’s activities commenced at 9:00 a.m. at the SLPP party office, where party members, supporters, and national leaders gathered to pay tribute. Addressing the gathering, the Leader of the Party and President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, described Dr. Jabbie’s contributions to the SLPP as “one of the reasons we are here today as an SLPP government.”

Following the party tribute, the funeral procession moved to Parliament, where Dr. Jabbie was honoured by his former colleagues in recognition of his service as a legislator. The cortege later proceeded to the Freetown City Council for a civic funeral, during which Umaru Napoleon Koroma signed the book of condolence on behalf of the Vice President of Sierra Leone.

The funeral rites continued at the Balmer Memorial Methodist Church, where a national communion service was held. The service drew a diverse congregation from across Sierra Leonean society, reflecting the wide-reaching impact of Dr. Jabbie’s life and work. Among those who participated was renowned journalist and opposition politician Dr. Olayinka Blyden, who read one of the biblical lessons.

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Describing the late lawyer as a phenomenal Sierra Leonean, Koroma said Dr. Jabbie lived what he termed an “extraordinary ordinary life.” He recalled that Dr. Jabbie endured significant persecution during the dictatorship of the late President Siaka Stevens under the APC, including multiple incarcerations in the late 1960s and early 1970s due to his unwavering loyalty to the SLPP.

After obtaining his terminal degree and law qualifications in the early 1980s, Dr. Jabbie returned to Sierra Leone to serve his people. In 1984, he established the Jia Jinna (Case Debul) Chambers. He later entered full-time politics during the APC one-party era and was elected by the people of Kailahun District to represent them in Parliament.

Between 1986 and 1992, Dr. Jabbie served diligently in Parliament and played a key role in the drafting of the 1991 Constitution. With the reintroduction of multi-party democracy, he rejoined the SLPP and continued to offer active legal services to the party.

Despite his deep loyalty to the SLPP, Dr. Jabbie remained firmly guided by principle. In 2011, while serving as one of the party’s legal representatives, he took the SLPP to the Supreme Court, seeking an interpretation of the party’s constitution and advocating for the establishment of clear rules and procedures.

The national farewell highlighted Dr. Bu-Buakei Jabbie’s enduring legacy as a lawyer, politician, constitutional contributor, and principled party stalwart whose impact transcended political lines.