The National Judicial Institute, NJI, on Wednesday, described as false and misleading, reports that judges sang a political anthem endorsing President Bola Tinubu at the opening ceremony of the 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference.

According to legal body, contrary to the reports, the “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” anthem was only played by the Guards Brigade Band that accompanied President Tinubu to the event, as part of their ceremonial protocol.

It added that judges at the conference rose to their feet while the President walked to the podium, as a mark of respect to his office.

It will be recalled that President Tinubu had on Monday, flagged off the conference at the NJI in Abuja, where he implored the judiciary to take decisive actions to tackle concerns about its integrity, warning that justice must never be for sale.

However, a brief rendition of Tinubu’s trademark political anthem at the conference drew flak for the judiciary, as critics, including the camp of a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, argued that it was capable of casting a shadow over the reputation of the judiciary as an impartial arbiter.

Clarifying the situation, the NJI, which has the statutory mamdate of organising conferences for judges in the country, in a statement that was signed the the Head of its Information, Media and Public Relations Unit, Mr. Kolade Umoru, dismissed the allegation as false.

It said: “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: 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 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.

“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,” the statement further read.