Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Parliament of Sierra Leone has unanimously approved the presidential nomination of Hon. Justice Fatimatta Bintu Alhadi as a Supreme Court Judge.
The decision was made during a session on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, following an extensive debate led by the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, chaired by Honourable Mathew Sahr Nyuma.
Presenting the findings of the Committee, Hon. Nyuma detailed the rigorous interview process that Justice Alhadi underwent, which included inquiries into her educational background, track record, declared assets, tax obligations, and vision for her tenure. He assured members that the Committee’s report reflected a unanimous decision.
Supporting the nomination, Honourable Abdul Karim Kamara, the Whip of the Opposition from Kambia District, praised Justice Alhadi’s leadership experience. He emphasized the urgent need for improved financial allocation to the judiciary, stating, “Sierra Leone has not done justice to the judiciary over the years.” Kamara called for a commitment to support the judiciary to enhance its service delivery and highlighted the importance of empowering women in leadership roles.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, echoed those sentiments, reminding his colleagues that while Parliament makes laws, the judiciary holds the power to interpret them. He referenced Section 138 of Sierra Leone’s Constitution, advocating for better salaries and allowances for judges to improve their welfare and functionality. Conteh stressed, “The disbursement of funds in the judiciary must be timely to ensure effective service delivery.”
The Chief Whip 2, Honourable Neneh Lebbie, expressed gratitude to President Bio for the appointment, describing Justice Alhadi as an experienced and competent individual capable of fulfilling her new role.
Acting Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Aaron Aruna Koroma, expressed confidence in Justice Alhadi’s potential for success in the Supreme Court. He suggested that the judiciary adopt a self-accounting system to enhance its operations and urged the Chief Justice to continue efforts to improve the judiciary’s image. Koroma also advocated for increased representation of women within the judiciary, mirroring the legislative goals set by Parliament.
Concluding the debate, Hon. Nyuma acknowledged the public concerns regarding Parliament’s role in determining judges’ salaries and allowances. He reiterated the need for improved conditions of service within the judiciary and affirmed President Bio’s commitment to these reforms. Nyuma emphasized the necessity for the judiciary to remain an independent organ of government, free from politicization, and reiterated the call for reforms to enhance its public perception.
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