Chief Justice Calls for Reconciliation For The Bar Association
Acting Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Nicolas C. Browne-Marke, hosted the executive of the Sierra Leone Bar Association at the Main Law Courts Building in Freetown.
Hon. Justice Browne-Marke urged the President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi, and her executive to reach out to all factions following contentions regarding the outcome of the Bar Annual General Meeting held in Kenema.
Tuma Adama Gento Jabbi was elected as the new President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) in the May 2024 election. Jabbi secured a significant majority with 506 votes, defeating her opponents Wara Serry Kamal, who received 23 votes, and Augustine S. Marrah, who obtained 15 votes. However, the opponents described the election as not free and fair.
The Chief Justice noted that the visit was part of the normal tradition for a newly elected executive of the Bar to pay courtesy to the sitting Chief Justice. He recalled that the same tradition was observed when he was Secretary General of the Bar Association and that he is pleased to see it continue. Hon. Justice Browne-Marke emphasized that one of the key activities of the association is to fearlessly uphold the principles of the rule of law by urging the government to act appropriately.
The Vice President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Sidikie Tommy, embraced the spirit of reconciliation by requesting the Hon. Chief Justice to mediate the process.
In response to this request, the Hon. Chief Justice stated that he would be willing to mediate if asked, but only in an informal capacity and not as the Acting Chief Justice.
