The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has criticized the Canadian High Commission in Abuja for allegedly denying Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers visas.
The military chiefs were scheduled to travel to Canada for an event honoring veterans and officers injured in battle. However, some members of the Nigerian delegation were denied visas, a move that Ribadu described as “painful and disrespectful.”
Speaking at the maiden annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) at the Yar’adua Centre, Abuja, Ribadu expressed his frustration over the issue.
“Thank you (CDS) for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell,” he declared.
He emphasized that this incident should serve as a reminder for Nigerians to work harder in developing their country so that they are not disrespected by other nations.
“I agree with you—it is time to fix our country. Yet, this is another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria better,” Ribadu added.
General Christopher Musa also spoke about the visa denial, expressing his disappointment over the incident.
“You know, every disappointment is a blessing. When I was invited to this occasion, I didn’t want to confirm whether I was going to attend or not because, by yesterday (Wednesday), I was supposed to be in Vancouver, Canada,” the CDS said.
He explained that the event in Canada was meant to honor veterans and wounded soldiers, making it a significant occasion for military officers worldwide. However, only part of the Nigerian delegation was granted visas, while others were denied.
“This is just a clear reminder that we are on our own and need to stand strong as a nation so that nobody takes us for granted,” he added.
Despite the setback, the CDS maintained a positive outlook. “It is really very disappointing, but we thank God for everything.”
When contacted for a response, Oluwademilade Kosemani, a senior Public Affairs Officer at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja, said the mission would issue a statement addressing the matter on Friday.
The event, which gathered senior officers from the military, police, and paramilitary agencies, focused on the theme: ‘Mobilizing Stakeholders to Curb Insecurity in Nigeria: A Practical Approach’.
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The President of AANISS, Mike Ejiofor, highlighted how insecurity continues to undermine Nigeria’s development and national unity.
“Insecurity has continued to threaten our unity, undermine development, retard economic growth, and create enormous humanitarian and social problems,” he stated.
Ejiofor stressed the need for collaborative efforts in tackling insecurity across Nigeria and Africa.
“While we continue to pray for the repose of the souls of all gallant officers and men who have lost their lives defending our nation and our citizens, all stakeholders must continue to work assiduously to keep the flag flying in defense of humanity and our nation,” he added.
The guest lecturer, Major-General Garba Wahab (retired), Director-General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, emphasized that insecurity in Nigeria cannot be addressed without tackling impunity.
“Impunity must be eradicated or at least reduced, with courts possibly having timelines for cases. Justice should not be delayed,” he said.
He called on law enforcement agencies to treat people with dignity and respect, stressing that security personnel must be supported to perform their duties effectively.