The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disassociated
itself from a viral video showing individuals dressed in military uniforms
conducting a guards parade for Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.
Director of Defence Information Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau
told PUNCH on Sunday that the personnel in the video are unknown to the
Nigerian military.
“They are not our personnel. We don’t dress that way.
We don’t have this type of badge of rank. We don’t know them,” Gusau said.
The video, which has sparked public outrage, shows the
president’s son inspecting a military-style parade. Critics have questioned the
propriety of granting such honours to a private citizen with no public office.
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate
Atiku Abubakar condemned the act, describing it as a “serious breach of
military tradition” and calling for an investigation.
In a statement, Atiku expressed dismay over the
parade, referring to it as an “anomaly” and a misuse of military protocols.
“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,” Atiku said.
He further revealed that the group involved, which
identified itself as the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” is not a recognised entity
within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He raised concerns about the use of firearms by
civilians during the parade, emphasising the dangers of illegal arms
proliferation.
Atiku urged security agencies to investigate the
origin of the parade, the legality of the firearms displayed, and the
unauthorised use of military titles. He stressed the importance of preserving
the integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces and holding those responsible
accountable if any legal violations were committed.
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