Veteran Nigerian journalist and public affairs analyst, Ojay Matthew, has criticised what he described as growing “overzealousness and sycophancy” within government circles, following the controversial decision to play President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign anthem, “On Your Mandate We Stand,” at an event organised by the judiciary.
Matthew, in a strongly worded commentary, said the act was “deeply disturbing,” noting that an event hosted by a separate arm of government should uphold constitutional neutrality — not political loyalty.
“The band at the judges’ event wanted to please the president by playing his anthem instead of the national anthem,” he said. “This is exactly the kind of conduct that undermines public confidence in our institutions.”
The journalist warned that the presidency must prevent such incidents from recurring, stressing that President Tinubu could “avoid unnecessary controversies” by ensuring his aides and protocol handlers act with greater sensitivity, especially at official functions involving other branches of government.
“Not even President Xi or President Putin would allow such rubbish in a sensitive event organised by a different arm of government,” he added.
Matthew appealed directly to the president, urging him to take charge of the narrative and demonstrate respect for institutional boundaries.
“Dear President Tinubu, you should deliberately instruct your handlers to put an end to what happened. Some of us are already giving up because your administration is making issues difficult for us to defend,” he wrote.
He further noted that the judiciary now faces a test of credibility and must reassure Nigerians that it remains an independent arbiter of justice.
“As it is, the judiciary will have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that they are indeed the last hope of the common man — and not that ‘on your mandate they stand,’” Matthew said.
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