Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said Nigeria’s future stability and development depend on strong institutions, an impartial judiciary, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Jonathan made the remarks at the weekend during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Law Week of the Yenagoa Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Bayelsa State.
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.
Addressing participants at the plenary session, Jonathan urged lawyers and members of the judiciary to uphold justice, fairness, and constitutional principles, describing them as custodians of the nation’s legal system.
He said Nigeria’s progress and stability would only be guaranteed when institutions are allowed to function independently and effectively, without undue interference.
According to him, national prosperity can only be achieved when the rule of law is stronger than individual influence.
“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 said.
The former president also called for urgent reforms in the education sector, stressing the need to reposition the system to address contemporary challenges and global standards.
He said sustainable national development requires accountable leadership, strong institutions, and a legal framework that guarantees equal protection, fairness, and opportunities for all citizens.
