Former Vice President of Nigeria and leading opposition figure, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the recent military parade involving Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, calling it a gross violation of long-standing military traditions.
In a statement released by his media office on Sunday, Atiku described the event as an aberration and demanded a thorough investigation into what he termed a “desecration of highly revered regimented military traditions.” The statement, signed by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, expressed dismay over a viral video showing a group of armed young men in full military procession conferring ceremonial honours on the President’s son.
“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 upon the President’s son unwarranted military honours,” the statement read.
Atiku questioned the legitimacy of the group involved, identified as the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” emphasizing that it is not a recognized entity within the Nigerian Armed Forces. He noted that the misuse of the term “Cadet,” typically reserved for young military personnel undergoing formal training, tarnished the integrity of the armed forces.
“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.
The former Vice President also raised concerns over the brazen display of firearms by civilians in the parade, describing it as particularly troubling given the rising proliferation of illegal arms in the country.
Atiku called for an urgent investigation by relevant security agencies to address three critical concerns: the legitimacy of the “Nigeria Cadet Network” and its use of the title “Cadet,” the origin and legality of the firearms displayed, and the propriety of military honours being granted to a civilian under the protection of security personnel.
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He further stressed the importance of preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s military institutions and emphasized that any legal violations uncovered during the investigation must be met with appropriate accountability.
“If it is determined that any legal violations were committed by the President’s son or members of 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,” Atiku added.
