Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has called on members of the legal profession to embrace their nation-building responsibilities by upholding justice, strengthening institutions, and promoting integrity in governance.
Jonathan made the call on Friday during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The event was themed, “Securing the Future: Sustainable National Asset Protection in Africa; Opportunities, Risks and Regulatory Pathways.”
Speaking at the plenary session, the former president urged both the Bench and the Bar to recognize their critical role as custodians of the nation’s legal system and regulatory frameworks, stressing that Nigeria’s progress depends largely on the impartiality of the judiciary, the strength of institutions, and adherence to ethical values.
Jonathan described legal practitioners and judicial officers as “ministers in the temple of justice,” noting that the country’s future can only be secured when justice prevails over power and institutions remain stronger than individuals.
He also advocated reforms in Nigeria’s post-colonial education system to better address contemporary challenges and prepare citizens for a rapidly changing world.
According to him, the law must provide equal protection for all citizens, regardless of social status, emphasizing that both the powerful and the vulnerable deserve fair treatment under the law.
The former president maintained that justice, strong institutions, educational reforms, and equality before the law are essential pillars for building a just, stable, and prosperous society.
