Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said Nigeria’s future can only be secured through strong institutions, an impartial judiciary, accountable leadership and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Jonathan stated this on Friday at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, 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.
Speaking during a plenary session, the former president urged members of the Bench and Bar to continue to uphold justice, fairness and the rule of law, describing lawyers and judges as custodians of the nation’s legal system.
According to him, Nigeria’s progress, stability and development depend on the ability of its institutions to function independently, effectively and above personal or political influence.
Jonathan said the country can only build a prosperous future when justice is stronger than 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 said.
The former president also called for reforms in the education sector, stressing that Nigeria’s post-colonial education system must be repositioned to meet contemporary realities and global standards.
He added that sustainable national development requires accountable leadership, strong institutions and a legal framework that guarantees equal protection, justice and opportunities for all citizens.
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