Atiku’s Vituperation Against Military-Style Parade For Seyi Tinubu

The recent criticism by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar regarding the military-style parade for Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, seems to be an overreaction. While Atiku has called the incident a “blatant violation of military norms,”  it is my humble view that it’s essential to consider the context and potential reasons behind the parade.

One possible perspective is that the parade was a gesture of appreciation and respect for the President’s son, rather than a formal military ceremony. It’s not uncommon for military personnel to participate in ceremonial events or show respect to high-ranking officials and their families.

Moreover, it’s crucial to remember that the military has a long history of participating in ceremonial events, such as parades and processions, which are not necessarily bound by strict military norms. These events often serve as a display of national pride, unity, and respect for dignitaries. 

There have been instances in the past where military-style parades were held to honour other dignitaries, such as visiting heads of state or high-ranking government officials. For example, in 2018, the Nigerian military held a ceremonial parade to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari after his return from a medical trip abroad.

: Military personnel often participate in ceremonial events, such as the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade, which is held to honour the country’s fallen heroes. These events are not necessarily bound by strict military norms and are meant to promote national unity.

There is no evidence to suggest that the parade held for Seyi Tinubu disrupted any military operations or compromised national security. The military has a responsibility to participate in ceremonial events, and it’s unlikely that this parade would have interfered with their primary duties.

 Previous administrations have also held similar ceremonies to honour the families of high-ranking officials. For example, during the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan, the military held a ceremonial parade to mark the wedding of his daughter.

In the United Kingdom, for example, there is this “Trooping the Colour ceremony*: which is an annual ceremonial event held to celebrate the British monarch’s official birthday. The ceremony involves a military parade and flypast and is attended by the Royal Family.

More so in Prince William’s Wedding*: In 2011, the British military participated in a ceremonial parade to mark the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Similarly in America, 

The US military participates in ceremonial events to mark Independence Day, including parades and flypasts.

 The Boston Pops Orchestra holds an annual concert and fireworks display on Independence Day, which features a military parade and salute to the armed  Forces. 

It’s common for military units to participate in parades and ceremonies at sporting events, such as NFL games, MLB games, and NASCAR events. These events often feature military flyovers, parachute jumps, and other ceremonial activities.

   Fleet Week, is an annual event held in several American cities, including New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle, to celebrate the maritime services. The event often features military parades, ship tours, and other ceremonial activities.

One specific example that comes to mind is the _2019 Army-Navy Game parade_, where the US Military Academy and US Naval Academy participated in a parade before the annual football game between the two teams. The parade featured marching bands, drill teams, and other ceremonial units from both academies.

These instances demonstrate that military ceremonial events are a common practice not just in Nigeria but also both in the UK and America and are often used to mark important national occasions or to honour dignitaries. 

These instances are clear indications that the parade held for Seyi Tinubu was not unusual and did not violate any military norms. 

However, it’s essential to note that the context and circumstances surrounding each event may be different, and a nuanced approach is necessary when evaluating these instances.

Atiku’s demand for an in-depth investigation into the matter seems unwarranted, especially considering the lack of evidence suggesting any wrongdoing or harm caused by the parade. The former Vice-President is using this incident as an opportunity to criticize the current administration and garner attention.

Atiku’s flattering disposition on national issues usually makes me feel that he is desperate to become the president of Nigeria overnight.

Ultimately, it’s essential to approach this situation with a nuanced perspective, considering multiple viewpoints and avoiding hasty judgments. Rather than jumping to conclusions, we should focus on promoting unity and respect for the office of the President, regardless of our personal opinions about the individual holding the position ¹.

Barrister  Okeke writes from Nkpor, Idemili North LGA of Anambra State.