Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for reviewing a guard of honour reportedly mounted by individuals in Nigerian military uniforms.
Atiku described the act as a gross violation of military tradition and called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
In a statement released by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Sunday, Atiku expressed outrage over a viral video showing Seyi Tinubu inspecting what appeared to be a military-style parade organized by youths in Ogun State.
The former Vice President condemned the event, describing it as an aberration for any branch of the Armed Forces or military-like group to stage a formal parade for an individual who holds no official designation warranting such honours.
“Atiku was quoted as saying: ‘It is with utter dismay and concern that Nigerians were subjected to a nauseating video circulating online, where a group of young men, armed and in full military procession, bestowed unwarranted military honours on the President’s son.’”
Atiku questioned the authenticity of the group behind the parade, identified as the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” emphasizing that it is not a recognized body within the Nigerian Armed Forces. He criticized the misuse of the term “Cadet,” which traditionally refers to young individuals formally trained under military programs.
The former Vice President further expressed alarm over the display of firearms by the group, noting the dangers of illegal arms proliferation in the country. “In an effort to uncover the truth behind this shameless procession, we instructed our legal team and military experts to investigate the so-called ‘Nigeria Cadet Network.’
“To no one’s surprise, it was revealed that the group is not a legally registered entity,” Atiku stated. “What is even more alarming is the brazen use of firearms by civilians in this so-called parade — at a time when illegal arms proliferation is at a dangerous high in our country.”
Atiku has now urged relevant security agencies to launch an immediate investigation to address the following critical issues:
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1. The legitimacy of the “Nigeria Cadet Network” and its use of the title “Cadet,” despite being an unregistered entity.
2. The origin and legality of the firearms displayed by members of the group.
3. The propriety of granting military honours to the President’s son by civilians under security protection.
The Turakin Adamawa stressed that safeguarding the integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces is a national priority.
“If it is determined that any laws were violated by the President’s son or the so-called ‘Nigeria Cadet Network,’ it is the constitutional duty of Nigerian security agencies to ensure that the law takes its course and those responsible are held accountable,” he added.
