Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stressed that Nigeria’s long-term stability and prosperity rest on the strength of its institutions, the independence of the judiciary, and unwavering respect for the rule of law.
Jonathan made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Law Week of the Yenagoa Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Bayelsa State over the weekend.
The event, themed “Securing the Future: Sustainable National Asset Protection in Africa; Opportunities, Risks and Regulatory Pathways,” attracted legal practitioners, judicial officers, and key stakeholders from across the country.
Speaking during a plenary session, the former president charged members of the legal profession to remain committed to justice, fairness, and the protection of democratic values. He described both the Bench and the Bar as critical guardians of Nigeria’s legal and constitutional order.
Jonathan noted that meaningful national progress can only be achieved when institutions operate independently and effectively, free from undue influence.
According to him, the nation’s future can only be guaranteed when justice takes precedence over power and when institutions are stronger than individuals.
“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 stated.
The former president also advocated comprehensive reforms in the education sector, emphasizing the need to align the system with modern realities and global standards.
He further maintained that sustainable national development requires accountable leadership, resilient institutions, and a legal framework that guarantees equal rights, opportunities, and protection for every citizen.
