NJI Denies Judges Sang Political Chorus at 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference
The National Judicial Institute (NJI) has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that judges sang a political chorus during the opening ceremony of the 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Institute said claims that judicial officers chanted “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” in allegiance to the President were “entirely unfounded” and did not reflect what transpired at the event.
According to the NJI, the only song rendered collectively by participants at both the commencement and conclusion of the ceremony was the National Anthem. It stressed that no judge sang or chanted any political song at any point during the programme.
The Institute explained that the brief rendition of “On Your Mandate” heard during the event was played solely by the Guards Brigade Band as part of its routine ceremonial protocol to usher the President to the podium for his address. It noted that the Judiciary had no influence over the band’s musical selection, which operates under military ceremonial procedures.
The NJI added that out of respect for the Office of the President, judges rose to their feet as the President walked to the podium—an act it said was standard protocol, not a political gesture.
Reaffirming its institutional values, the Institute emphasised that the Judiciary remains strictly non-partisan, constitutionally neutral, and fully insulated from political activities or symbols of allegiance.
Describing attempts to distort the event or attribute political motives to judicial officers as “unfortunate, misleading, and a disservice to the public,” the NJI urged citizens and the media to verify information and avoid amplifying falsehoods capable of undermining national institutions.
The statement, signed by Kolade Umoru, Head of Information, Media and Public Relations at the NJI, reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to upholding its oath of office with dignity, independence, and unwavering fidelity to the Constitution.
