Atiku Abubakar, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, has condemned a military parade held in honor of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as a breach of military protocols and called for a prompt investigation.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed concern over the video circulating online, which showed an armed group in a formal military procession conferring honors upon Seyi Tinubu.
He referred to the event as an “aberration” and criticized the involvement of a group known as the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” which he claimed has no official standing within the Nigerian Armed Forces..
“It is with great dismay that Nigerians witnessed a nauseating video of armed individuals in full military procession, bestowing unwarranted military honors on the President’s son. Such actions undermine the sanctity of our military traditions,” Atiku stated.
Atiku challenged the legitimacy of the “Nigeria Cadet Network” and claimed that his legal and military experts’ investigations found the group to be unregistered.
He also expressed concern over the use of firearms by civilians during the parade, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent in a country already struggling with widespread illegal arms proliferation.
“The use of the term ‘Cadet’ by this group is a gross misuse of military terminology. These civilians exploited a respected title to stage a shameless spectacle that tarnishes the integrity of the Armed Forces,” Atiku added.
Calling for a full-scale investigation, the former Vice President urged security agencies to address critical concerns, including:
1. The authenticity and legality of the “Nigeria Cadet Network.”
2. The origin and legitimacy of the firearms displayed during the parade.
3. The appropriateness of granting military honors to a non-designated public figure by an unregistered group.
Atiku emphasized that preserving the integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces must remain a top priority.
“If this incident involves any legal violations by the President’s son or members of the so-called ‘Nigeria Cadet Network,’ it is imperative for security agencies to uphold the law and hold those responsible accountable,” Atiku declared.
He concluded by reiterating his commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of Nigeria’s institutions and urging swift action to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
