Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the military for organising a formal parade for Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement released on Sunday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed his disapproval, describing the event as an aberration. He emphasised that it is inappropriate for any branch of the Armed Forces to accord such honours to a non-designated public figure.
“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 further questioned the legitimacy of the military-like outfit involved, stating that the so-called group, the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” is not a recognised entity within the Nigerian Armed Forces. He emphasised the disturbing fact that the name “Cadet,” associated with young, formally trained military personnel, was exploited by civilians to tarnish the esteemed traditions of the military.
“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 noted.
“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 called for an urgent investigation by all relevant security agencies to address 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.
The former Vice President stressed that preserving the integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces is paramount. “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 said.
