Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the recent military parade involving Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as an aberration and blatant violation of military tradition. In a statement released on Sunday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which he termed an “aberration.”
A viral video showing Seyi Tinubu receiving military honours from an armed group, identified as the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” has sparked public outrage. Atiku’s statement condemned the event as an unwarranted and unacceptable breach of military decorum, asserting that such honours are reserved for designated public officials or recognized dignitaries.
“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,” Atiku said.
Atiku raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” which he described as a civilian entity masquerading under a title traditionally reserved for trained military personnel.
According to the former Vice President, preliminary investigations revealed that the group is not legally registered.
“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,” he noted.
The statement also highlighted the dangerous implications of civilians bearing arms during the parade, particularly amidst Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with illegal arms proliferation.
Atiku urged Nigerian security agencies to probe the incident and address three critical concerns, including Legitimacy of the “Nigeria Cadet Network”: Whether the group has any legal standing to operate under the name “Cadet”; Firearms Legality: The source and authorization of the weapons used by the group, and Military Honours Protocol: The appropriateness of granting military honours to a non-commissioned civilian.
“Preserving the integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces is paramount,” Atiku emphasized. “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’s condemnation reflects broader concerns about the politicization of Nigeria’s military traditions and the potential erosion of public trust in the armed forces.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate, with calls from various quarters for the Tinubu administration to clarify its position on the issue. As public scrutiny intensifies, the Nigerian Armed Forces and security agencies are expected to address the matter in the coming days.
