Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on legal practitioners in Nigeria to take a more active role in strengthening nation-building, emphasizing that the country’s future depends on strong institutions, an independent judiciary, and adherence to core national values.
Jonathan made the appeal on Saturday during the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch 2026 Law Week held in Bayelsa State.
The event, which centered on the theme “Securing the Future: Sustainable National Asset Protection in Africa; Opportunities, Risks and Regulatory Pathways,” brought together lawyers, judges, and other stakeholders to examine governance, justice delivery, and broader national development issues.
Addressing participants at a plenary session, the former president urged both lawyers and judicial officers to remain committed to justice, fairness, and the rule of law in the execution of their duties.
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He described the Bench and Bar as key custodians of Nigeria’s legal and regulatory framework, noting that the country’s stability and development are closely tied to how independently and effectively its institutions function.
Jonathan further stressed that Nigeria’s long-term progress would only be guaranteed when the rule of law takes precedence over individual power.
“As ministers in the temple of justice, I reminded them that the future of our nation can only be secured when justice is stronger than power; when institutions are stronger than individuals; when our post-colonial education system is thoughtfully reformed to meet the demands of a changing world; and when the law affords equal protection to both the powerful and the vulnerable,” Jonathan stated.
He also used the opportunity to advocate for broad reforms in the education sector, saying the system must be modernized to better respond to present-day realities and global expectations.
Jonathan concluded that sustainable national development can only be achieved through accountable leadership, resilient institutions, and a legal system that guarantees fairness, protection, and equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of status or background.