Sierra Leone Bar Association Resolves to Restrain Aggrieved Caretaker Body

The Sierra Leone Bar Association’s newly elected executive has taken decisive action at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024, to address ongoing issues stemming from the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kenema.

The EGM, convened at No. 3 Gloucester Street, Cathedral House in Freetown, focused on restraining a caretaker body set up by aggrieved parties following alleged irregularities during the Kenema AGM.

During the Kenema AGM, dissatisfaction arose among contestants over the conduct and outcome, prompting the formation of a caretaker body by senior legal practitioners associated with the aggrieved parties.

However, Sierra Leone Bar Association President Tuma Adama Jabbi affirmed at the EGM that only the directors elected at the Kenema AGM are legally recognized.

In a conciliatory gesture, President Jabbi expressed willingness to collaborate with the aggrieved parties, stressing unity within the association despite differences.

“Regardless of our disagreements, I am committed to working harmoniously with every member of our association,” President Jabbi emphasized, highlighting efforts toward reconciliation with the opposing faction.

The EGM also saw the adoption of resolutions aimed at maintaining the association’s integrity and functionality.

Key resolutions included empowering the association’s directors to pursue legal action against individuals associated with the caretaker body.

These actions prohibit them from making public statements, organizing meetings, or using the association’s logo and resources without authorization.

President Jabbi further outlined plans for the association’s future, including the acquisition of land for a modern secretariat and engagement with stakeholders like NASSIT for a pension scheme for legal practitioners.

The EGM concluded with the adoption of reports from various committees and a commitment to implement the resolutions passed promptly.

“The resolutions adopted today mark the beginning of decisive action,” President Jabbi declared, urging unity among Sierra Leonean lawyers for the association’s collective advancement.