Military-like Honour On Seyi Tinubu Not Constitutional Breach – Balami

Comrade Isaac Balami, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has dismissed concerns raised by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding the military-like guard of honour accorded to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The event which sparked public debate saw a cadet group perform a parade in honour of Seyi Tinubu.

Atiku had described the gesture as a “gross violation” of the constitution and called for an investigation to uncover its justification.

Reacting during a media briefing on Monday, Balami, a former National Deputy Campaign Manager for the Obi/Datti presidential campaign, said the criticisms were unwarranted and misplaced.

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Balami argued that the gesture was standard practice in many parts of the world and did not breach the nation’s laws, clariying that the group involved was the Cadet Network, a body of young individuals seeking mentorship and aspiring to be future leaders.

“The dust raised due to the homage paid to Seyi Tinubu by the cadet group is completely a misplaced priority.

“We should be engaged in a more robust national discourse against dwelling on things that pose no threat to our growth as a nation. Issues of Boko Haram, kidnapping and other insecurity challenges bedevilling us as a nation should be the focal point of our discourse against taking on individuals with good intentions for the country. The group is clearly nationalistic and nothing more.

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“My take is simply that this group of young men called the Cadet Network are young individuals being mentored as future leaders who believe they share a similar philosophy or ideology with Mr Seyi Tinubu.

“These are patriotic Nigerians who have continued to place the country above all forms of tribal and political sentiments.” The spokesman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, said

He described the cadet group’s actions as a display of national pride and solidarity, emphasizing that their homage was unrelated to Seyi’s familial ties to the presidency.

“These young individuals, much like the Man O’ War, Boys Scouts, or Brigade, chose to honour Seyi Tinubu based on shared ideologies and his humanitarian contributions.

“It was not about his father being president but about his personal efforts in nation-building,” Balami said.

Balami also noted that Seyi Tinubu has long been involved in philanthropic activities and initiatives that transcend tribal and political divides, asserting that the honour was an acknowledgement of his contributions.

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He questioned the basis of Atiku’s call for an investigation, suggesting that the former Vice President’s media handlers failed to properly consult or analyze the situation before issuing statements.

“This act does not violate the constitution in any way. Politicizing such acts of patriotism or solidarity is counterproductive to our national progress. Seyi Tinubu represents unity and nationalistic ideals, and the group’s parade was a reflection of their shared vision,” he said.

Balami concluded by urging Nigerians to encourage acts of patriotism and solidarity while focusing on issues that contribute to the country’s growth and stability.