Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the recent military parade involving Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu as a gross violation of military tradition.
Atiku in a statement issued Sunday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
While expressing outrage over the event, he called it an aberration for any branch of the Armed Forces to organise a formal parade for a non-designated public figure.
Atiku said: “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.”
He stressed that “Nigeria Cadet Network,” is not a recognised entity within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Atike added: “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.”
Atiku called for an urgent investigation by all relevant security 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. The propriety of the military honours granted to the President’s son by non-commissioned civilians under the protection of security personnel.
“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.”