By Our Reporter
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has sharply criticized the Canadian government’s decision to deny visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and several senior military officers.
The Nigerian delegation was scheduled to attend an event in Canada honoring war veterans, but only part of the group was granted visas, sparking outrage from Nigerian officials. The matter was discussed by Ribadu and Musa at the inaugural annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, an event attended by key security experts and government figures focused on national security and international cooperation.
Reacting to the denial, Ribadu expressed his disappointment, calling it disrespectful, while CDS Musa underscored the importance of Nigeria asserting its presence on the global stage. Musa explained that while half of the delegation was allowed entry, the others were turned away, a situation he described as deeply disheartening. However, he chose to see the setback as a call for Nigeria to strengthen its autonomy and resilience.
Musa stated:
“Every disappointment is a blessing. We were invited to Canada for an event to honor our veterans, but while half of us made it, the rest were denied entry. It’s unfortunate, but it serves as a reminder for our country to stand tall and never be taken for granted.”
Ribadu echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for Nigeria to focus on self-sufficiency. He applauded Musa’s leadership in addressing the country’s security challenges, stating:
“Thank you for having the courage to speak out about the visa denial. Let them go to hell. While it’s painful and disrespectful, we remain peaceful and strong. We must continue working hard to build a thriving Nigeria.”
The visa denial raises significant questions about Canada’s diplomatic stance toward Nigerian military officials.