One of Sierra Leone’s astute legal practitioners, Abubakarr Turay, commonly called by his colleagues as Lawyer Kabaka, has declared his intention to contest for the Vice President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association.
In soliciting the support of his colleagues, Lawyer Kabaka bemoans what he described as political patronage, economic disparity and ideological divisiveness that have marred the association, promising the empowerment of every member of the association.
Below is the speech of Lawyer Kabaka:
Ladies and gentlemen of the legal fraternity,
Allow me to take you on a journey—a journey that traverses the landscapes of both humble beginnings and ambitious aspirations.
Born amidst the regimented rhythms of a military barracks in the town of Daru, nestled within the Kailahun District of Sierra Leone, my narrative is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and equity.
Many of you may recognize me by the moniker “The Kabaka,” a title bestowed upon me by colleagues who have witnessed my dedication to our noble profession.
Yet, behind this alias lies a man named Abu Bakarr Turay, standing before you today with a singular purpose—to solicit your support and endorsement in the upcoming Sierra Leone Bar Association elections scheduled for May 18th.
With your backing, I aspire to assume the mantle of Vice President within our esteemed association, pledging to steer our collective endeavours towards new horizons of excellence and inclusivity.
Reflecting on my journey into the legal fraternity, I am reminded of a bygone era—a time characterized by a palpable sense of unity and camaraderie within the Bar.
It was an epoch where the ethics and ethos of our profession were upheld by a cadre of dedicated professionals, tirelessly advocating for justice, human rights, and the rule of law. The Bar exams served as a great equalizer, granting entry to individuals from diverse backgrounds, united in their pursuit of legal excellence.
However, as the sands of time have shifted, so too have the dynamics of our profession. The influx of new legal practitioners, far surpassing the double-digit norms of yesteryears, has ushered in an era of unprecedented change and challenge.
We must confront these realities head-on, acknowledging that the legal fraternity belongs to no single demographic or ideological subset. Every individual who passes the Bar exams deserves to be accorded the respect and privileges befitting a member of our esteemed association.
Yet, beneath the veneer of inclusivity lies a sobering truth—a truth marred by the spectre of political patronage, economic disparity, and ideological divisiveness.
The Bar, once a bastion of impartiality and integrity, now finds itself entangled in the web of partisan politics and personal agendas. The repercussions of such entanglements are manifold, threatening to erode the very fabric of our profession.
It is our duty, as guardians of justice, to restore excellence and order to the legal profession. We must elevate our standards above the quagmire of mediocrity and sycophancy, fostering an environment where meritocracy reigns supreme, and the pursuit of excellence knows no bounds.
In assuming the role of Vice President, I pledge to champion the agenda of our association with unwavering dedication and resolve. My duties shall encompass not only the support of our esteemed President but also the empowerment of every member of our fraternity.
I firmly believe that the true measure of leadership lies not in grandiose promises or self-serving agendas but in the willingness to listen, learn, and lead by example.
I acknowledge my shortcomings but stand resolute in my commitment to growth and self-improvement.
Together, we shall embark upon a journey of collective empowerment, where the voices of the marginalized are amplified, and the ideals of justice and equality are upheld without compromise.
As we stand at this pivotal juncture in the annals of our association, let us heed the clarion call for change and renewal. Let us transcend the barriers of ego and ambition, embracing a future defined by unity, integrity, and mutual respect.
The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but I am confident that together, we possess the fortitude and resilience to overcome any obstacle that lies in our path.
In conclusion, I urge every one of you to join me in this noble endeavour—to redeem the glory and prestige of our beloved Bar Association.
Your support, your counsel, and your unwavering commitment are indispensable in realizing our collective vision.
Let us forge ahead with courage and conviction, knowing that the fruits of our labour shall be borne out in a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come.
Ultimately, we must reclaim the Bar from the claws of social elitism and subtle segregation. We must rescue the Bar from nepotism and the evils of rabid divisiveness. We must raise the standards of the Bar as an association above pettiness, partisan politics, mediocrity and sycophancy.
We can only achieve any or all of the above if the Bar’s voice is truly heard and we speak in unison. Foremost, our voices must be heard. Because it is our Bar. A united Bar. Not devoid of disagreements or arguments, rather, these disagreements and arguments must be done in a respectful, healthy and civilized manner. Bear in mind that one of the greatest catalysts of change is competition.
However, the standards will not be raised at the Bar if our voices are silent and redundant—we need a Bar with a Voice.
This is Our Bar. This is Our Voice.
Let us reclaim its glory together.
Thank you for your time, your attention, and your invaluable support.
