Sowore Lambasts Governors for Praising Tinubu with 'On Your Mandate' Song
Former presidential candidate and prominent activist Omoyele Sowore has launched a scathing attack on state governors for their recent display of allegiance to President Bola Tinubu. The criticism stems from a video that surfaced showing the governors collectively singing "On Your Mandate We Shall Stand," a popular anthem among the President's supporters, during a meeting. In the same gathering, the governors referred to Tinubu as the people's President, further fueling Sowore's ire.
Sowore's Fiery Social Media Outburst
Reacting vehemently to the incident, Sowore took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his disdain. He labeled the governors as "SHAMELESS STATE GOVERNORS" and accused them of being obstacles to Nigeria's progress. In his post, he wrote, "These are the 'elected' jokers holding Nigeria back, governing on a mandate that lacks legitimacy and dragging the country, Nigeria, in the wrong direction through their individual misgoverned states." Sowore's comments highlight his long-standing criticism of what he perceives as sycophantic behavior among political leaders, undermining democratic accountability.
NBA Condemns Judge's Order for Lawyer to Kneel in Court
In a separate but related development, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strong statement regarding a controversial courtroom incident. The association clarified that no judicial officer possesses the authority to order a lawyer or litigant to kneel or face the wall during court proceedings. This declaration came on Tuesday, March 26, 2026, in response to reports that Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja had directed Marshall Abubakar, a lawyer representing Omoyele Sowore, to kneel. The order was allegedly made after Abubakar raised his voice while cross-examining a witness in a defamation case involving Sowore.
Sowore's Reaction to the Courtroom Incident
Sowore himself condemned the judge's action in a social media post, praising his lawyer for resisting the order. He wrote, "How can you expect justice in a country where a judge orders a competent lawyer to kneel for insisting on cross-examining a fake witness presented by the lawless @OfficialDSSNG? I am glad Barrister Marshal D. F. Abubakar stood his ground. He did not flinch. It was the judge, Justice Mohammed G. Umar, who had to adjourn and leave the courtroom. End of case! And you will never hear the Nigeria Bar Association @NigBarAssoc do anything about this. They are only concerned about the tinted glass permit! Nigeria is finished!" Sowore's outburst underscores his frustration with the judicial system and its perceived failures.
NBA's Official Statement and Stance
The NBA, however, responded promptly to the incident, which occurred on Monday, March 16, 2026. In a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the association expressed grave concern over the development, emphasizing its implications for the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the courtroom. The NBA described the courtroom as a "temple of justice" that must be governed by law, procedure, and decorum.
The statement elaborated, "While judges are vested with the authority to maintain order and discipline in their courts, such authority must be exercised strictly within the bounds of the law and established judicial standards. The power to punish for contempt is well recognised; however, it is circumscribed by defined legal procedures designed to ensure fairness, objectivity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all persons appearing before the court."
Furthermore, the NBA asserted that directing a legal practitioner to kneel is not a recognized judicial sanction under Nigerian law and does not align with expected standards of judicial conduct. The association stressed that the dignity of the court must be preserved in both outcome and process, including how judicial authority is exercised. It advised that if a judge believes someone has acted contemptuously, proper legal procedures must be followed.
The NBA also reminded legal practitioners of their duty to conduct themselves with restraint, professionalism, and respect for the court. "While lawyers are entitled, indeed obligated, to advocate firmly and fearlessly on behalf of their clients, such advocacy must always be exercised within the bounds of courtesy and decorum," the statement added, urging that disagreements be expressed through proper legal channels without disrupting proceedings.
These events highlight ongoing tensions in Nigeria's political and judicial spheres, with Sowore's activism continuing to challenge established norms and the NBA striving to uphold professional standards in the face of controversy.
