The National Judicial Institute (NJI) has denied reports claiming that judges sang the political chorus, ‘On Your Mandate We Shall Stand,’ for President Bola Tinubu during the 2025 Judges Conference held in Abuja on Monday. In a statement released Wednesday by Mr. Kolade Umoru, Head of Information, NJI, which organized the event, stated that the reports circulating on social media are “entirely false, unfounded,” and do not reflect the true events of the ceremony. The NJI provided clarification, stating that the National Anthem was the only song sung collectively by all attendees at the start and end of the opening ceremony, and no judge sang or chanted any political song at any point. The brief playing of the tune “On Your Mandate” was done solely by the Guards Brigade Band as part of their ceremonial protocol to usher the President to the podium for his speech, and it was not initiated or requested by the Judiciary. Judges rose to their feet out of respect for the Office of the President as he walked to the podium. The statement stressed that the Judiciary remains strictly non-partisan, committed to constitutional neutrality, and insulated from political activities. NJI noted that the conference is a professional gathering focused on strengthening the justice system. The Institute concluded by urging the public to exercise restraint, verify information, and avoid amplifying falsehoods that could undermine the integrity of national institutions.
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