Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an urgent investigation into a recent military-style parade involving Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, describing the incident as a serious breach of military protocol.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by his media adviser Paul Ibe, Atiku condemned the parade, which he claimed undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
Atiku expressed his outrage over a video circulating online, showing Seyi Tinubu receiving military honours from a group of young men dressed in full military regalia. He labeled the act as an “aberration” and demanded accountability for those involved.
The former Vice President specifically criticized the group behind the display, the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” which he alleged is not a recognized body within the Nigerian military.
“It is with utter dismay and concern that Nigerians were subjected to this nauseating video, where a group of young men, armed and in full military procession, bestowed unwarranted military honours upon the President’s son,” the statement read.
Atiku pointed out that the title “Cadet,” traditionally reserved for formally trained young military personnel, was misused by an unregistered civilian group, undermining the military’s esteemed traditions.
The former Vice President also raised alarms about the use of firearms during the parade, highlighting the growing concern over illegal arms proliferation in Nigeria.
“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 display of firearms by civilians during this parade, at a time when illegal arms proliferation poses a significant threat to our country.”
Atiku has called on Nigerian security agencies to urgently investigate the legitimacy of the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” the legality of the firearms used by the group, and the appropriateness of granting military honours to Seyi Tinubu by civilians under security protection.
Atiku stressed the need to protect the reputation and traditions of the Nigerian Armed Forces, urging authorities to ensure accountability for any violations of the law.
“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 is upheld and those responsible are held accountable,” Atiku concluded.
