Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and the nation’s leading opposition figure, has strongly condemned the recent military parade involving Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu. He has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, labelling it a gross violation of military tradition.

In a signed statement by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed outrage over the event, calling it an aberration for any branch of the Armed Forces to organize 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.

However, it has been revealed that the Nigerian Army is not behind the Quarter Guard salute in honour of Seyi Tinubu. A video currently trending online showed that Seyi Tinubu received a salute from the quarter guard on his arrival in Abeokuta, but the men in uniform in the video are not Nigerian soldiers. Instead, a group called Community Auxiliary Development & Effective Transformation Network has claimed responsibility for the parade.

The former Vice-President further questioned the legitimacy of the military-like outfit involved, stating that the so-called group is not a recognized entity within the Nigerian Armed Forces. Atiku emphasized the disturbing fact that the name “Cadet,” associated with young, formally trained military personnel, was exploited by civilians to tarnish the esteemed traditions of the militaryAtiku has now called for an urgent investigation by all relevant security agencies to address critical concerns, including the legitimacy of the group behind the parade and the origin and legality of the firearms displayed. “If it is determined that any legal violations were committed by the President’s son or members of the so-called group, 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.