Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on legal practitioners to play a more active role in shaping Nigeria’s future, emphasizing that national progress depends on robust institutions, an independent judiciary, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Jonathan made the remarks on Saturday at the opening of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch 2026 Law Week in Bayelsa State.
The event, themed ‘Securing the Future: Sustainable National Asset Protection in Africa; Opportunities, Risks and Regulatory Pathways,’ attracted lawyers, judges, and key stakeholders who examined issues surrounding governance, justice delivery, and national development.
Addressing participants during a plenary session, the former president urged members of the legal profession and the judiciary to remain committed to fairness, justice, and the rule of law.
He described the Bench and Bar as vital guardians of the country’s legal and regulatory institutions, noting that Nigeria’s stability and development rely heavily on the ability of those institutions to operate independently and effectively.
Jonathan argued that a prosperous future can only be achieved when institutions are stronger than personal interests and when justice is applied equally to all citizens.
“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.
The former president also advocated reforms in the education sector, stressing the need to modernise the system so it can better respond to present-day realities and global demands.
He further maintained that sustainable development can only be achieved through accountable leadership, effective institutions, and a legal system that guarantees equal rights, protection, and opportunities for every citizen regardless of social or economic status.
