Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on members of the judiciary and legal profession to remain steadfast in upholding justice, fairness and the rule of law, stressing that Nigeria’s future depends on strong institutions and an impartial legal system.
Jonathan made the appeal during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association held in Yenagoa over the weekend.
The event, themed “Securing the Future: Sustainable National Asset Protection in Africa; Opportunities, Risks and Regulatory Pathways,” brought together legal practitioners, judicial officers and other stakeholders to discuss issues relating to governance, justice and national development.
Speaking during a plenary session, the former president described members of the Bench and Bar as custodians of Nigeria’s legal system and urged them to continue safeguarding the principles of justice and equity.
He emphasized that the country’s progress, stability and democratic development depend largely on the strength and independence of its institutions, particularly the judiciary.
According to Jonathan, Nigeria can only achieve lasting prosperity when the rule of law prevails over individual influence and when public institutions are stronger than those who occupy them.
“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,” he said.
Jonathan also called for reforms in the education sector, noting that Nigeria’s educational system must be repositioned to address emerging challenges and align with global realities.
He further stressed that sustainable national development requires accountable leadership, strong democratic institutions and a legal framework that guarantees equal rights, protection and opportunities for all citizens.
The former president urged stakeholders across the legal and governance sectors to work collectively towards strengthening the nation’s institutions and promoting a justice system that serves all Nigerians fairly and impartially.
