Atiku condemns military honour accorded Tinubu’s son, Seyi
…Youth group denies allegations of military impersonation
By Babatunde Opoola, Abuja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the military honours given to Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, describing it as a desecration of Nigeria’s long-standing military traditions. He called for an immediate investigation into the incident, which he labelled a gross violation of protocol.
In response, a group called the Community Auxiliary Development & Effective Transformation Network has claimed responsibility for the parade. The individual who led the Quarter Guard Salute for Seyi Tinubu and other dignitaries in a video posted online denied impersonating the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He clarified that the men in uniforms in the video were not Nigerian soldiers, stating that Seyi Tinubu was in Abeokuta for the first annual youth summit and empowerment programme, themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: A Concrete Foundation for a Prosperous Nigeria.” The summit was organised by the CityBoy Movement, Ogun State chapter, of which the President’s son is the founder and grand patron.
During the event, Seyi Tinubu awarded approximately N14 million in grants to five young tech innovators in the state. Many had initially interpreted the Quarter Guard as part of the Nigerian military. However, the group clarified that it has no affiliation with the Nigerian Army and does not use the military ranking structure.
In a statement issued on Sunday, December 29, Atiku Abubakar criticised a video showing Seyi Tinubu receiving formal military honours from a Cadet Network. He argued that such honours are reserved for designated public officials and accused the group of undermining the sanctity of the Armed Forces.
Atiku questioned the legitimacy of the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” noting that preliminary investigations revealed it is not a recognised entity within the Nigerian military. He expressed concern about the group’s use of firearms, particularly in light of the country’s ongoing battle against illegal arms proliferation.
The former Vice President outlined three key areas for investigation: the authenticity of the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” the legality of the firearms displayed during the parade, and the appropriateness of extending military honours to a private citizen.
He stressed the importance of preserving the integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces to maintain public trust, adding, “If any laws were broken, it is the duty of security agencies to ensure accountability.”
