Viral Video: Atiku Blasts ‘Military Honours’ Accorded Tinubu’s Son By Armed Cadet Network, Calls For Probe
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the probe of a viral footage showing a group of armed individuals in uniform performing a military drill and saluting President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi.
The incident generated public condemnation and criticism, with many Nigerians questioning its legality.
Atiku, in a statement released by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Sunday, condemned the recent parade involving Seyi Tinubu.
The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, labelling it a gross violation of military traditions.
In a statement released by his media office on Sunday, signed by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed outrage over the event, calling it an aberration for any branch of the Armed Forces to organiSe a formal parade for 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 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, therefore, called for an urgent investigation by all relevant security agencies into the incident.
He asked such 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’ and 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.
Sources close to the Tinubu family are minimising the significance of a recent incident, stating that it was a show of solidarity organised by youth supporters, not an official military endorsement. They claim the event was put together by a voluntary paramilitary-style group, which was meant to demonstrate their support, rather than imply any formal backing from the military.
One of the event organisers, who spoke anonymously, stated, “The parade was simply an honour by a youth-based civic group, not the military. Seyi Tinubu has been a role model to many young people, and this was their way of showing appreciation.”
Political analyst, Dr. Amina Yusuf, who commented on the issue, said, “The backlash is understandable given Nigeria’s sensitivity to issues of power abuse, but it’s important to establish whether this was an official military event or a civilian gathering mimicking the military.”
The Nigerian military is yet to release an official statement on the matter, leaving many questions about the legality and implications of the event unanswered.
