Human rights lawyer, Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, has called for an immediate investigation into the political song played during the recent Judges’ Conference, saying the incident was as an embarrassing breach of judicial neutrality.
A political montage praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the chant “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand,” was played as the President exited the hall at the conference. Omirhobo said the action violated the dignity and independence expected of the judiciary.
He noted that a Judges’ Conference is a solemn gathering of judicial officers and not a platform for partisan celebration, warning that the incident undermines public confidence in the courts and raises concerns about the politicisation of the Bench.
Omirhobo urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate how the partisan audio “found its way” into the programme, who authorised it, and whether political interference was involved.
The human right lawyer also called for disciplinary action against officials responsible.
He further asked the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to conduct its own inquiry, issue a public statement condemning the incident, and demand accountability from the organisers.
Describing the development as a threat to judicial independence, Omirhobo said a judiciary that appears compromised cannot effectively deliver justice.
He insisted that those who orchestrated the act must be identified and sanctioned to protect the integrity of the Bench.
The judiciary has done more harm to this country than our politicians.