Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for investigation into a military-like parade staged in honour of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, by an amorphous group, Nigeria Cadet Network.
In a statement on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, the former vice president condemned alleged display of firearms by the group during the said parade.
Atiku expressed outrage over the “parade”, 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 worn by the group during the parade, saying that it’s a gross violation of military tradition.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, pointed out that Nigeria Cadet Network is not a recognised entity within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He emphasised that the title, “Cadet” is associated with young, formally trained military personnel, saying the group exploited it 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.” “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 said.
Atiku called on the security agencies to probe the legitimacy of the Nigeria Cadet Network and its use of the title “Cadet” when it is not a registered entity.
He also called for investigation into the origin and legality of the firearms displayed by members of the Nigeria Cadet Network.
Atiku also urged the security agencies to investigate 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.