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The National Judicial Institute (NJI) has dismissed as “entirely false and unfounded” social-media reports alleging that judges at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference sang the political chorus “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” in solidarity with the President.

In a statement signed by the Head of Information, Media and Public Relations, Kolade Umoru, the NJI said the claims circulating online bear no resemblance to what transpired at the event.

According to the Institute, the National Anthem was the only song rendered collectively by all participants at the beginning and end of the ceremony. At no point, the statement stressed, did any judge chant or sing a political song.

The NJI clarified that the short instrumental tune of “On Your Mandate” heard during the programme was played solely by the Guards Brigade Band, in line with military ceremonial protocol used to usher the President to the podium for his address. The Judiciary neither requested nor approved the band’s musical selection and had no control over its playlist.

Judges were said to have risen only “out of due deference” as the President approached the podium—a standard protocol observed at official functions.

Reaffirming its institutional stance, the NJI stressed that the Judiciary remains non-partisan, constitutionally neutral, and insulated from political symbols or activities. It warned that attempts to distort the solemn nature of the conference or ascribe political motives to judicial officers are “misleading and a disservice to the public.”

The Institute urged citizens and media organisations to verify information before dissemination and avoid amplifying false narratives capable of undermining confidence in national institutions.

The annual All Nigeria Judges Conference, the NJI noted, is a statutory professional gathering focused on strengthening the justice system and deepening public trust in the Judiciary.

Full text of NJI statement reads:

RE: FALSE REPORTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA REGARDING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 2025 ALL NIGERIA JUDGES CONFERENCE
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.
For the avoidance of doubt:
1. The National Anthem was the only song rendered collectively by all participants at both the commencement and conclusion of the Opening Ceremony.
2. No Judge in attendance sang or chanted any political song at any point during the programme.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. The Judiciary remains strictly non-partisan, deeply committed to constitutional neutrality, and wholly insulated from political activities or symbols of political allegiance.
The 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference is a statutory and professional gathering focused on strengthening the justice system and reinforcing public confidence in the Judiciary. 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.
We urge members of the public and the media to exercise restraint, verify information, and avoid amplifying falsehoods capable of undermining the integrity of national institutions.
The Judiciary will continue to uphold its oath of office with dignity, independence, and unwavering fidelity to the Constitution.

Kolade Umoru

Head, Information, Media and Public Relations
National Judicial Institute