JUDGES STOOD IN RESPECT FOR TINUBU RATHER THAN SINGING ‘ON YOUR MANDATE’- NJI
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BY JENN NOMAMIUKOR
The National Judicial Institute (NJI) has refuted social media rumors that judges supported President Bola Tinubu by singing the political song “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” during the 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference opening ceremony. A video that went viral on social media on Tuesday showed judges getting up as the president was ushered to the stage to address the conference as the signature song was playing.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NJI described the video as misleading, clarifying that the only song collectively rendered by all participants during the ceremony was the national anthem, performed at both the beginning and end of the event.
The institute noted that the brief playing of the tune “On Your Mandate” was performed solely by the guards brigade band as part of their ceremonial protocol to usher the president to the podium.
The judges stood respectfully as Tinubu approached the podium, a move made out of devotion to the office rather than political affiliation, the institute said, adding that it had no say in the music selection process, which is overseen by the military band. In addition to reiterating its dedication to constitutional neutrality, the NJI stated that the court is still completely impartial and shielded from political symbols or actions.
“The attention of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) has been drawn to several misleading and inaccurate reports circulating on social media suggesting that Judges in attendance at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference sang a political chorus (“On Your Mandate We Shall Stand”) in allegiance to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This claim is entirely false, unfounded, and does not reflect the events that transpired at the ceremony,” the statement reads.
“For the avoidance of doubt: The National Anthem was the only song rendered collectively by all participants at both the commencement and conclusion of the Opening Ceremony. No Judge in attendance sang or chanted any political song at any point during the programme.
“The brief rendition of the tune “On Your Mandate” was not initiated, requested, or endorsed by the Judiciary. It was played solely by the Guards Brigade Band as part of their ceremonial protocol to usher the President to the podium for his address.
“The Judiciary had no control over the musical selections of the Brigade, which operates under military ceremonial procedures. Out of deference to the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Judges rose to their feet as the President walked to the podium.
“The Judiciary remains strictly non-partisan, deeply committed to constitutional neutrality, and wholly insulated from political activities or symbols of political allegiance.”
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