SLPP Headquarters, Freetown, Thursday, 8 January 2026* – His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Hon. Dr. Bu-Buakei Jabbie Esq, former elected Member of Parliament for Kailahun District and Distinguished Grand Chief Patron of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), describing him as a disciplined legal luminary, principled party stalwart, and a towering figure in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey.
The solemn laying-out ceremony, held at the SLPP Headquarters, brought together party leaders, elders, family members, friends, and supporters to honour the life and legacy of a man who devoted his entire adult life to public service, the rule of law, and the growth of the SLPP.
Born on 7 May 1945 in Bunumbu Moama Village, Kailahun District, the late Hon. Dr. Jabbie was one of Sierra Leone’s most accomplished legal minds. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Language from Fourah Bay College, a Master’s degree from a University in Southern England, and later earned both a PhD and a Law degree concurrently from Sheffield University, England.
He served as an SLPP elected Member of Parliament from 2012 to 2017, representing Constituency 008, Kailahun District, and was the longest-serving Legal Adviser of the SLPP. In recognition of his immense contribution to nation-building and party politics, President Bio conferred on him the country’s highest civilian honour, Commander of the Order of the Rokel (COR), on 27 April 2021.
Delivering his tribute, President Bio described the late Dr. Jabbie as a man of strong convictions who believed firmly in justice, discipline, and the supremacy of the law. “This is a huge loss, not only to the family, but to the SLPP and the nation. He was strict, principled, and deeply committed to the rule of law. He taught us that even political battles must be fought within the law,” the President said.
President Bio recalled moments when the late Dr. Jabbie insisted that the SLPP pursue justice through legal means, noting that his courage and discipline helped shape the party’s respect for constitutional governance.
“To many he was ‘Keke,’ to his children a loving father, but to me he was a disciplinarian who helped guide the party. We will miss him deeply,” the President added, praying for God’s mercy and eternal rest for his soul.
Chairman of the SLPP Council of Elders, Rev. Hindolo Butcher, described the late Dr. Jabbie as a “warrior of the party,” recalling their shared imprisonment during the repressive era of the late President Siaka Stevens. “He suffered for the SLPP, remained faithful, and never compromised his principles. The best honour we can give him is to remain loyal to the party he loved,” Rev. Butcher said.
Former SLPP Chairman Dr. Prince Harding praised the late man’s unwavering devotion during the party’s most challenging periods, describing his life as one of sacrifice and enduring commitment. He described Dr. Jabbie as a symbol of resilience and endurance. “He faced humiliation and imprisonment, yet giving up was never an option. Today, we celebrate a hero whose life strengthened the resolve of this party,” he noted.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the late man’s daughter, Madam Tuma Jabbie Esq, described her father as a disciplined leader, committed party loyalist, and devoted parent. “My father believed deeply in the SLPP and stood firmly with President Bio even in opposition. His recognition with the COR award meant everything to our family. We thank the President and the party for this honour and befitting farewell,” she said.
President Bio concluded by reaffirming that the SLPP remains a family and that the late Hon. Dr. Bu-Buakei Jabbie’s legacy will continue to guide the party and the nation. “We gather here as a grateful party to say thank you. His contribution will never be forgotten. May God forgive his sins and grant him eternal peace,” the President concluded.
