Jonathan Calls on Judiciary to Uphold Justice and the Rule of Law

Former President Goodluck Jonathan warned that Nigeria’s future hinges on robust institutions, an impartial judiciary, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

He made the remarks over the weekend at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Law Week hosted by 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,” gathered legal practitioners, judicial officers and other stakeholders.

During a plenary session, Jonathan urged lawyers and judges to uphold justice, fairness and the rule of law, calling members of the Bench and Bar “custodians of the nation’s legal system.”

He said Nigeria’s progress and stability depend on institutions that can operate independently and effectively.

According to him, a prosperous future can only be achieved when the rule of law outweighs 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 called for reforms in the education sector, insisting that the system must be repositioned to address contemporary challenges and meet global standards.

He added that sustainable national development requires accountable leadership, strong institutions, and a legal framework that guarantees equal protection and opportunities for all citizens.