On Tuesday, a video circulating on social media showed
judges rising to their feet as the signature song was played to usher the
president to the podium to address the conference.

In a statement on Wednesday, the NJI described the video as
misleading, clarifying that the only song collectively rendered by all
participants during the ceremony was the national anthem, performed at both the
beginning and end of the event.

The institute noted that the brief playing of the tune “On
Your Mandate” was performed solely by the guards brigade band as part of their
ceremonial protocol to usher the president to the podium.

The institute said it had no role in selecting the music,
which is controlled by the military band, adding that the judges stood in
respect as Tinubu approached the podium – a gesture made out of deference to
the office, not political allegiance.

The NJI reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional
neutrality, adding that the judiciary remains strictly non-partisan and
insulated from political activities or symbols.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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. 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. Out of
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 remains strictly non-partisan, deeply
committed to constitutional neutrality, and wholly insulated from political
activities or symbols of political allegiance.”