By Attah Ede
National Judicial Institute(NJI), on Wednesday dismissed the claim being peddled in the social media 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.
The Institution described the claim as entirely false, unfounded, and does not reflect the events that transpired at the ceremony, stressing that the nation’s National Anthem was the only song rendered collectively by all participants at both the commencement and conclusion of the Opening Ceremony.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of Information, Media and Public Relations, National Judicial Institute, Kolade Umoru in Abuja.
According to him, any attempt to distort the solemnity of the event or attribute political motives to judicial officers is unfortunate, misleading, and a disservice to the public.
Umoru further emphasized that the Judiciary remains strictly non-partisan, deeply committed to constitutional neutrality, and wholly insulated from political activities or symbols of political allegiance.
He therefore urged members of the public and the media to exercise restraint, verify information, and avoid amplifying falsehoods capable of undermining the integrity of national institutions.
Parts of the statement read: “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.
“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 and 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 and out of due 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 will continue to uphold its oath of office with dignity, independence, and unwavering fidelity to the Constitution”.
