Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the recent military parade featuring Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, and has called for a thorough investigation into the incident, which he described as a serious violation of military tradition.
In a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed his outrage, condemning the event as an aberration.
He stated that it was inappropriate for any military branch to organize a formal parade for a non-designated public figure, emphasizing the breach of protocol.
Atiku also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the military-like outfit involved in the parade, the so-called “Nigeria Cadet Network.” He pointed out that this group is not recognized within the Nigerian Armed Forces, and criticized the use of the title “Cadet,” which is traditionally reserved for formally trained military personnel, by civilians to undermine the military’s esteemed traditions.
In an effort to uncover the truth behind the controversial event, Atiku disclosed that his legal team and military experts had been instructed to investigate the “Nigeria Cadet Network.” The investigation revealed that the group is not a legally registered entity. More alarmingly, it was discovered that civilians in the procession were openly carrying firearms, a troubling issue given the current high levels of illegal arms proliferation in the country.
Atiku has now called for an urgent investigation by relevant security agencies into several critical issues, including the legitimacy of the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” the origin and legality of the firearms displayed during the parade, and the appropriateness of granting military honours to the President’s son by non-commissioned civilians under the protection of security personnel.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces, stating that if any legal violations are found involving the President’s son or the members of the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” it is the responsibility of Nigerian security agencies to ensure that justice is served and those responsible are held accountable.
“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.
“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,” the former Vice President expressed concern.
“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, adding, “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.”
