Atiku fumes as Military allegedly holds parade in honour of President Tinubu’s Son, Seyi
Atiku fumes as Military allegedly holds parade in honour of President Tinubu’s Son, Seyi
A military-style parade held for Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, has drawn sharp criticism from former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, who called for an immediate investigation into what he termed a “gross violation” of military protocols.
The incident, which came to light through a widely circulated video, showed armed personnel conducting a formal military parade for the president’s son.
The ceremony was reportedly organised by a group calling itself the “Nigeria Cadet Network.”
In a strongly worded statement issued through his Media Aide, Paul Ibe, Abubakar condemned the display as “nauseating” and an “aberration” of military tradition.
The former vice president questioned the legitimacy of the organising group, noting that the Nigeria Cadet Network is not officially recognised by the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“The unauthorised use of military customs to honor a private citizen represents a concerning departure from established protocols,” Abubakar stated.
He particularly took issue with the group’s appropriation of the term “Cadet,” which traditionally refers to formally trained military personnel.
The controversy has raised questions about the potential misuse of military traditions and the proper protocols for ceremonial honors in Nigeria’s 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.
“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 also asked for an urgent probe by all relevant security agencies to address the following critical concerns.
“The legitimacy of the ‘Nigeria Cadet Network’ and its use of the title ‘Cadet’ when it is not a registered entity.
“The origin and legality of the firearms displayed by members of the Nigeria Cadet Network.
“The propriety of the military honours granted to the President’s son by non-commissioned civilians under the protection of security personnel.
“If it is determined that 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 said.
