By Omowale Mercy
The National Judicial Institute (NJI) has moved quickly to correct a viral claim that judges at the 2025 All‑Nigeria Judges Conference sang “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” in support of President Bola Tinubu. In a brief statement released on Tuesday, the NJI explained that the song was actually performed by the Guards Brigade Band as part of the ceremonial welcome for the president, and that no judge joined in the singing. The institute emphasized that the only collective vocal moment during the opening session was the national anthem, which judges stood for out of respect for the office, not as a political endorsement.
The confusion appears to have started from a short video clip that circulated on social media, showing a group of judges standing while the band played a tune that some netizens identified as the campaign anthem associated with Tinubu’s 2023 presidential run. The clip was later edited to suggest the judges were singing along, prompting a wave of commentary about the independence of the judiciary. The NJI’s clarification stressed that the judiciary remains strictly non‑partisan and that any appearance of bias would be investigated thoroughly.
Reactions to the NJI’s statement have been mixed. Legal analysts on mainstream platforms praised the institute for acting swiftly to protect the integrity of the courts, noting that the judiciary’s credibility hinges on its ability to stay above politics. On the other hand, some opposition figures argued that the incident, even if unintentional, reflects a deeper need for clearer protocols when the executive interacts with the judicial branch at public events.
The NJI has also announced that it will review the protocol for musical performances at future conferences to avoid any misinterpretation. A senior official from the institute mentioned that a committee will be formed to draft guidelines on the selection of music, the timing of performances, and the role of judges during such ceremonies. The goal, they said, is to maintain the dignity of the occasion while ensuring that no unintended political messages are conveyed.
As the story continues to develop, the public will be watching closely to see how the NJI follows through on its promises of transparency and accountability. For now, the official record stands: the judges did not sing “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand,” and the NJI is committed to safeguarding the impartial image of Nigeria’s judiciary.
