Atiku condemns military honours accorded to Seyi Tinubu, calls for probe
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised the recent military parade involving Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, describing it as a gross violation of military tradition and a desecration of age-long regimented practices. He also demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued on Sunday, December 29, 2024, by his Special Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed shock over the event, which involved a group of individuals in military formation bestowing honours on the President’s son.
“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 highlighted the group involved, known as the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” and questioned its legitimacy. He emphasised that the group is not a recognised entity within the Nigerian Armed Forces, calling its activities a distortion of the military’s esteemed traditions.
“Our legal team and military experts have investigated this so-called ‘Nigeria Cadet Network.’ It is neither a legally registered entity nor part of any official military framework in Nigeria,” Atiku revealed.
The former Vice President also raised alarm over the unauthorised use of firearms by members of the group, describing it as a dangerous development amidst the nation’s ongoing battle with illegal arms proliferation.
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Atiku called for an immediate probe by all relevant security agencies into several aspects of the incident, including:
The legitimacy of the “Nigeria Cadet Network” and its use of the title “Cadet.”
The origin and legality of the firearms displayed by the group.
The propriety of granting military honours to a civilian under such questionable circumstances.
He stressed the need for Nigerian security agencies to uphold their constitutional duty by ensuring that any legal violations are thoroughly investigated and those responsible are brought to justice.
“If it is determined that any laws were violated by the President’s son or members of the so-called ‘Nigeria Cadet Network,’ it is the constitutional duty of our security agencies to ensure that the law takes its course and those responsible are held accountable,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President described the incident as an aberration that threatens the integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He emphasised that the military’s regimented traditions must be preserved and protected from misuse or misrepresentation by civilians.
“The military is a revered institution, and its traditions are rooted in discipline and professionalism. This incident undermines those values and must not go unaddressed,” Atiku added.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, with many calling for transparency and accountability. Critics argue that the event sets a dangerous precedent for the misuse of military symbols and protocols.
This call for accountability has further intensified public scrutiny of the President’s administration, with many citizens echoing Atiku’s demand for a thorough investigation and the restoration of the military’s integrity.
The statement concluded by reaffirming Atiku’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the nation’s institutions operate with respect and accountability.
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