The Nationwide Judicial Institute (NJI) has denied claims that Nigerian judges chorused a political tune in reward of President Bola Tinubu on the 2025 All Nigeria Judges Convention in Abuja.
The refrain, “In your mandate we will stand,” is common amongst Mr Tinubu’s supporters, courting again to his time as Lagos State governor. The president’s followers and admirers typically sing the refrain to cheer him and affirm their loyalty to him at political gatherings.
In an announcement signed by its Head, Data, Media and Public Relations, Kolade Umoru, on Wednesday, the NJI confirmed that the “In your mandate” tune was performed by the Guards Brigade Band “as a part of ceremonial protocol” to usher the president to the rostrum for his handle however was “not initiated, requested or endorsed by the judiciary”.
The assertion famous that the judiciary had no management “over the musical alternatives of the Brigade, which operates beneath navy ceremonial procedures.”
It acknowledged that the judges, out of respect to the workplace of the Nigerian president, rose to their toes as President Tinubu walked to the rostrum.
“No choose in attendance sang or chanted any political tune at any level through the programme,” Mr Umoru acknowledged, including that the one tune collectively sung on the event was the Nationwide Anthem.
“Judiciary stays strictly non-partisan, deeply dedicated to constitutional neutrality, and wholly insulated from political actions or symbols of political allegiance,” the assertion stated.
Mr Umoru suggested each the media and the general public to confirm data earlier than sharing it to keep away from spreading distorted realities.
“The judiciary will proceed to uphold its oath of workplace with dignity, independence, and unwavering constancy to the Structure,” the assertion assured Nigerians.
It continued, “The Judiciary stays strictly non-partisan, deeply dedicated to constitutional neutrality, and wholly insulated from political actions or symbols of political allegiance.
“The 2025 All Nigeria Judges Convention is a statutory {and professional} gathering centered on strengthening the justice system and reinforcing public confidence within the Judiciary.
“Any try to distort the solemnity of the occasion or attribute political motives to judicial officers is unlucky, deceptive, and a disservice to the general public.”
“The 2025 All Nigeria Judges Convention is a statutory {and professional} gathering centered on strengthening the justice system and reinforcing public confidence within the Judiciary. Any try to distort the solemnity of the occasion or attribute political motives to judicial officers is unlucky, deceptive, and a disservice to the general public.
“Any try to distort the solemnity of the occasion or attribute political motives to judicial officers is unlucky, deceptive, and a disservice to the general public.”
Background
The tune of the “In your mandate” tune was trumpeted as Mr Tinubu rose from his seat on the venue of the occasion at NJI in Abuja and walked to the rostrum to declare the All Nigeria Judges Convention open on Monday.
Nonetheless, some judges allegedly sang alongside, which set off a public outcry, elevating considerations over the integrity and political partisanship of the Nigerian judiciary.
Jibrin Okutepa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, described this as a nationwide shame.
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Equally, the Secretary-Basic of the Nigerian League of Columnists, Anthony Kila, criticised the alleged act, calling it shameful.
A test by PREMIUM TIMES showed the music being performed and judges standing because the President mounted the stage. Nonetheless, it isn’t clear if the judges sang alongside.
In his handle on the occasion, Mr Tinubu charged judges safeguard their integrity and restore public confidence within the judiciary.
