Renowned Pan-Africanist and advocate of transparent governance, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, and former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, have urged Nigeria and African nations to develop their nuclear weapons and energy, stressing that no nation commands global respect from a position of weakness.

They made the remarks in Yenagoa at the plenary session of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch’s Law Week 2026, where the former President was the chairman of the occasion and Lumumba, the keynote speaker.

Speaking on the theme, “Securing the Future,” the former President urged members of the legal profession and the judiciary to strengthen justice, institutions, and legal values, describing them as critical pillars for Nigeria’s development and stability.

According to him, the Bench and the Bar remain custodians of Nigeria’s legal system and guardians of the country’s regulatory framework.

The former President 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.

He said: “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.”

Delivering the keynote address on the topic, “Sustainable National Assets in Africa: Opportunities, Risks and Regulatory Pathways,” Lumumba decried what he described as Africa’s continued exclusion from critical decisions concerning its resources and future.

Lumumba argued that discussions about Africa’s assets were often held in foreign capitals without meaningful African participation.

He challenged African nations to embrace self-reliance, strengthen regional integration, and invest in science and technology to safeguard their natural resources.

According to him, Africa must overcome colonial-era mindsets and build institutions capable of protecting its wealth for future generations.

“If you are weak, nobody respects you. Until Africa becomes strong, we will never be taken seriously,” Lumumba stated.

MEANWHILE, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, at the event, 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,” extended beyond the legal profession to encompass national security, the rule of law, and the protection of Nigeria’s collective assets.