Registrar General’s Bid for Bar Presidency Raises Ethical Questions
By John Kelly Marah
The contest for the presidency of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) has ignited a growing debate over the independence of the legal profession, following concerns surrounding the candidacy of Ms. Martina Baindu Egbenda, the country’s current Administrator and Registrar General.
The issue came to the fore during an appearance on Liberty Online TV on Thursday, 4 June 2026, when incumbent SLBA President Ms. Tuma Adama Jabbie raised questions about the potential conflict of interest inherent in Ms. Egbenda’s simultaneous role as a senior government official and aspirant for the leadership of the Bar Association.
At the heart of the controversy is a fundamental question: Who watches the watchdog?
The Sierra Leone Bar Association is widely regarded as the guardian of professional legal standards and an important voice in promoting the rule of law, judicial independence, constitutional governance, and legal reform. The Bar is also expected to speak out when government actions threaten democratic principles or the administration of justice.
Critics argue that these responsibilities may be difficult to reconcile with the position of Administrator and Registrar General, an office situated within the Executive branch of government. They contend that a Bar President must be free from any perception of executive influence, particularly when the Association is called upon to challenge government decisions or policies.
For those raising concerns, the matter is not necessarily about political affiliation but about preserving public confidence in the Bar’s independence. They argue that if Ms. Egbenda wishes to lead the country’s legal profession, the most transparent course of action would be to relinquish her government post before seeking election.
The debate has also reignited broader concerns about the relationship between state institutions and professional bodies that are expected to provide oversight and accountability. Legal commentators note that the strength of the Bar lies in its ability to act without fear or favour, regardless of which government is in power.
Supporters of Ms. Egbenda, however, may argue that holding public office should not automatically disqualify a qualified lawyer from seeking leadership within the profession and that the ultimate decision rests with members of the Bar through a democratic election.
As campaigning intensifies, the controversy has become larger than a contest between candidates. It has evolved into a discussion about institutional integrity, transparency, and the safeguards needed to ensure that the legal profession remains an independent watchdog over the administration of justice.
With the election drawing near, many lawyers are now asking whether the Bar can effectively hold the State accountable while being led by one of the State’s senior officials. The answer may shape not only the outcome of the presidential race but also the future perception of the Sierra Leone Bar Association’s independence and credibility.
