Atiku demands probe into ‘military’ parade for Tinubu’s son, Seyi

Atiku demands probe into ‘military’ parade for Tinubu’s son, Seyi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a comprehensive investigation into a viral video showing a group of armed, uniformed individuals performing a military-style drill in honour of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu.

The footage, which has sparked widespread criticism and debate, led Atiku to describe the incident as a breach of military protocol.

In a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Sunday, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed his concern over the event and its implications.

“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 pointed out that the group involved, identified as the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” is not recognized within the Nigerian Armed Forces, questioning its legitimacy.

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He highlighted that the term “Cadet,” typically reserved for formally trained military personnel, appeared to have been misused by civilians in this case.

“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.

The former Vice President also raised concerns over the apparent use of firearms by the group, emphasizing the dangers posed by illegal arms proliferation in the country.

Atiku called on relevant security agencies to urgently investigate several key issues, including the legality of the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” the source of the firearms displayed, and the appropriateness of granting military honors to a non-official figure.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, sources close to the Tinubu family have downplayed the controversy, claiming the event was organized by a voluntary youth group as a display of solidarity rather than an official military endorsement.

One of the event organizers, speaking anonymously, said, “The parade was simply an honor 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.”

The Nigerian military has yet to issue an official response, leaving unanswered questions about the event’s legality and broader implications.

Atiku demands probe into ‘military’ parade for Tinubu’s son, Seyi