A recent public appearance by Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has ignited widespread discussions about protocol, governance, and military decorum in Nigeria.
Seyi Tinubu was seen receiving full military honors typically reserved for commissioned officers or state officials, raising questions about the appropriateness of such a display. Critics have expressed concern over what they perceive as a breach of established military regulations.
Prominent commentator and activist Mahdi Shehu took to social media to voice his discontent, describing the incident as emblematic of deeper issues in Nigeria’s governance system.
It is only in Nigeria that a non-commissioned, bloody civilian will be accorded full military honors simply because his father happens to be called President by coincidence, Shehu remarked in a series of tweets.
Shehu also criticized the perceived inaction of top military officials in the face of such protocol violations. Top military generals and heads of security agencies deliberately and cowardly fold their arms, watching their regimented rules being reduced to something lower than toilet paper value, he added.
In a biting commentary, Shehu suggested that Seyi Tinubu’s elevated treatment could warrant his designation as a second vice president, given his increasing public prominence. With the way Seyi Tinubu is being treated more than any public officer, it is better he is named the 2nd vice president so that he can act as the president anytime Tinubu travels,” he quipped.
These developments come amidst growing concerns about the role of family members of public officials in state affairs and their influence on governance. Critics argue that such incidents risk undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s institutions and military protocols.
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As the video continues to circulate widely on the internet, generating a surge of public discourse, neither the presidency nor high-ranking military officials have yet commented on the incident. The footage has sparked intense debate, with many critics voicing concerns about the treatment of President Tinubu’s family and its implications on Nigeria’s governance and military protocol.
