Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that Nigeria’s future hinges on strong institutions, an impartial judiciary, and adherence to the rule of law.
Jonathan made the statement on Friday during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Yenagoa Branch 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.
During a plenary session, Jonathan urged lawyers and judicial officers to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law, referring to the bench and bar as caretakers of the nation’s legal system.
He stated that Nigeria’s prosperity and stability rested on the ability of its institutions to work independently and efficiently.
He believes that the country can only have a prosperous future if the rule of law takes precedence over 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 in a statement.
The former president also advocated for educational reforms, stating that the system must be repositioned to handle current concerns and meet global standards.
He also stated that sustainable national growth necessitates accountable leadership, robust institutions, and a legal framework that ensures equal protection and opportunities for all residents.
