- He described members of the legal community as key guardians of the nation’s judicial and regulatory systems
- According to him, the future of the country depends on a system where justice takes precedence over personal influence
- He maintained that sustainable development requires accountable leadership, strong governance structures
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on legal practitioners across the country to play a more active role in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and promoting national development.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Jonathan made the appeal on Saturday during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Law Week organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, in Bayelsa State.
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The event, which focused on safeguarding national assets and exploring sustainable regulatory frameworks across Africa, attracted lawyers, judges, policymakers and other stakeholders in the justice sector.
Addressing participants during a plenary session, the former president emphasised the critical role of the legal profession in preserving justice, protecting democratic values and ensuring the effective functioning of public institutions.
He described members of the legal community as key guardians of the nation’s judicial and regulatory systems, noting that their commitment to fairness and the rule of law remains essential to Nigeria’s stability and growth.
Jonathan stressed that lasting national progress can only be achieved when institutions are allowed to operate independently and citizens are treated equally before the law.
According to him, the future of the country depends on a system where justice takes precedence over personal influence, institutions remain stronger than individual interests, and legal protections are available to every citizen regardless of status.
The former president also highlighted the need for reforms in the education sector, arguing that Nigeria’s educational framework must evolve to meet modern realities and prepare future generations for emerging challenges.
He maintained that sustainable development requires accountable leadership, strong governance structures and legal systems that guarantee fairness, inclusiveness and equal opportunities for all.
Jonathan urged legal professionals to remain steadfast in upholding ethical standards and supporting efforts aimed at building a more just, stable and prosperous society.
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