Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and renowned Pan-Africanist Prof. Patrick Lumumba have urged Nigeria and other African nations to prioritize the development of nuclear weapons and energy, emphasizing that no country commands global respect from a position of weakness. The duo made these remarks during the plenary session of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch’s Law Week 2026, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Jonathan served as chairman of the occasion, while Lumumba delivered the keynote address.
Jonathan Calls for Strengthened Institutions and Innovation
Speaking on the theme “Securing the Future,” former President Jonathan urged members of the legal profession and the judiciary to reinforce justice, institutions, and legal values, describing them as critical pillars for Nigeria’s development and stability. He noted that the Bench and the Bar are custodians of Nigeria’s legal system and guardians of its regulatory framework. Jonathan stressed the need for Nigeria to invest heavily in science, technology, and innovation, recalling his Presidential Scholarship for Innovation and Development initiative, which sponsored exceptional students to top universities abroad.
“We have a nuclear programme in this country. We have satellite programmes. But they are not growing. By now, we should be producing missiles. Nobody respects you if you are not strong. Every nation respects the United States because it is militarily strong,” Jonathan stated.
Lumumba Decries Africa’s Exclusion from Resource Decisions
Delivering the keynote address on “Sustainable National Assets in Africa: Opportunities, Risks and Regulatory Pathways,” Prof. Lumumba decried Africa’s continued exclusion from critical decisions concerning its resources and future. He argued that discussions about Africa’s assets are often held in foreign capitals without meaningful African participation. Lumumba challenged African nations to embrace self-reliance, strengthen regional integration, and invest in science and technology to safeguard their natural resources.
“If you are weak, nobody respects you. Until Africa becomes strong, we will never be taken seriously,” Lumumba stated. He emphasized the need to overcome colonial-era mindsets and build institutions capable of protecting Africa’s wealth for future generations.
NDDC Boss Calls for Education Investment
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, called for increased investment in education as a foundation for national reorientation and sustainable development. Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawaie, described Lumumba as a strong advocate of good governance, accountability, and Pan-African development, while urging legal practitioners to uphold discipline and professional ethics.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the NBA Yenagoa Branch, Clement Kekemeke, expressed appreciation to participants and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the 2026 Law Week. Kekemeke noted that the theme “Securing the Future” extends beyond the legal profession to encompass national security, the rule of law, and the protection of Nigeria’s collective assets.
