The Lawyers’ Society has issued a stern press statement calling for the immediate resolution of a growing administrative impasse between Sierra Leone’s local councils and the central government, warning that the dispute is already undermining service delivery in Freetown.

In the statement dated January 29, 2026, the Society expressed serious concern over a deepening rift involving the Freetown City Council (FCC), the Minister of Local Government, and the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC). The Society described the situation as a threat to the effective functioning of municipal governance in the capital.

According to the Lawyers’ Society, the dispute centers on allegations of unlawful staff transfers, procedural irregularities within the LGSC, financial uncertainty at the FCC, and a lack of accountability in handling misconduct investigations at local councils.

The Society stated that the LGSC allegedly reassigned key officials, including the Finance Officer and Valuation Officer at the FCC, as well as staff in Kambia and Pujehun, without prior consultation with the affected councils. These transfers, the statement noted, have been rejected by the councils as unlawful and contrary to established procedures.

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The press statement further raised concerns that the LGSC continued with the transfer processes despite objections from the Mayor of Freetown and reported intervention by Parliament. The Society also questioned the legality of the Commission’s decisions, citing concerns about the absence of a quorum during decision-making meetings.

On the issue of city finances, the Lawyers’ Society referenced a directive issued on January 6, 2026, by the FCC’s Chief Administrator, instructing banks not to honor cheques signed by the Finance Officer. This directive was later reversed by the Acting Mayor on January 14, 2026, creating what the Society described as a leadership and administrative vacuum over the management of the council’s finances.

The Society also criticized the LGSC for failing to release findings into alleged misconduct at the Kailahun Local Council, despite investigations reportedly being concluded some time ago. It said this failure has raised questions about transparency and accountability within the local government oversight framework.

In its statement, the Lawyers’ Society reminded the Minister of Local Government and the LGSC of their obligations under Section 33 of the Local Government Act of 2022. The Society emphasized that the recruitment, promotion, and discipline of local council staff are shared responsibilities that require consultation with the councils concerned.

“We urge the Minister of Local Government and the Local Government Service Commission to uphold the autonomy of local councils, enabling them to perform their mandated functions free from undue interference,” the statement said.

The Society warned that the ongoing impasse has already contributed to stalled development projects and growing concerns over sanitation services in Freetown. It called for swift and decisive action to restore administrative order and protect local governance from political interference.

The Lawyers’ Society concluded by urging all parties involved to act in the public interest and ensure that local councils can function effectively in line with the law.