‘Real reason defence chief, other Nigerian military officers were denied Canada visas’

The denial of visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and several senior military officers by the Canadian Embassy has been attributed to a diplomatic oversight.

The affected officers had submitted visa applications without the required Note Verbale (diplomatic note) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Nigerian government is now working to resolve the situation.

A reliable source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “There was a diplomatic error on the part of desk officers who handled the CDS and others’ visa applications. There was no Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which contradicts the standard protocol for official trips by high-ranking government officials.”

The source further clarified: “Since those traveling are top military officers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should have attached a Note Verbale confirming that the trip was legitimate and without security concerns.”

Regarding the matter, the source added, “The Federal Government is engaging with Canadian Embassy officials to address the situation. There is no diplomatic conflict with Canada; we are merely working to rectify a few issues.”

However, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, has criticized the Canadian government for denying visas to Gen. Musa and the military delegation.

Ribadu expressed his displeasure during the inaugural annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja. In response to Gen. Musa’s comments about the visa issue, Ribadu remarked, “Canada can go to hell.”

Gen. Musa had earlier stated that he and his team were scheduled to attend a war veterans’ event in Canada but were denied entry. “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was supposed to be in Canada for an event honoring our veterans and those injured in battles. We were invited with our team, but half of us were denied entry. It’s truly disappointing,” Gen. Musa said.

Ribadu praised the CDS for addressing the issue openly and emphasized the need for a stronger Nigeria that would no longer tolerate such disrespect. “Thank you for your courage in speaking out. Canada can go to hell,” Ribadu said. “Although it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful and strong. I agree that it’s time to strengthen our country, and this incident only reinforces our commitment to making Nigeria work.”

Ribadu also commended Gen. Musa for his leadership in tackling insecurity and the ongoing cooperation among Nigeria’s security agencies to enhance national security.

Former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode also lauded Ribadu’s stance, urging that such disrespect should not be overlooked. “At last, we have an NSA who is willing to stand up to foreign powers that treat Nigerians with contempt,” Fani-Kayode wrote on his X account (@realFFK). “Ribadu was right when he condemned the Canadian Embassy for denying visas to our senior military officers, including the CDS. The days of foreign governments treating us with disrespect are over.”

Fani-Kayode added, “If Canada continues its disrespectful actions, it should consider its own future, as it might soon become the 51st state of America. Nigeria has paid its dues and deserves to be treated with respect.”

(NATION)