National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has expressed strong disapproval of the Canadian embassy’s decision to deny visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other top military officers. Ribadu’s remarks came during the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja on Thursday.
In a bold statement, Ribadu declared that Canada “can go to hell” for its actions, describing the visa denial as disrespectful and disappointing. His comments were in response to General Musa’s revelation that he and his team were denied visas for an official trip to Canada to honor Nigerian war veterans.
CDS Musa Narrates the Incident
General Musa shared the disappointing experience during the event, stating, “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada. There’s an event to honour our veterans, those who were injured during battles, and we were meant to be there. We were invited with our team. Half has gone, and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing.”
He emphasized that the incident serves as a reminder for Nigeria to stand strong as a nation and no longer be taken for granted. “This denial is a clear reminder that we must stand on our own, stand strong as a nation, and should no longer be taken for granted,” Musa added.
Ribadu’s Strong Reaction
Ribadu, visibly displeased, commended the CDS for speaking out about the incident. He stated, “Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell. Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful and strong. I agree with you that it is time to fix our country. Yet, this is another reason we work hard to make Nigeria work.”
The NSA also praised General Musa for his “purposeful leadership” in the fight against insecurity, highlighting the collaboration among all security agencies across the country.
Implications of the Visa Denial
The visa denial has sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many viewing it as a slight against the country’s military leadership. The incident has also reignited discussions about Nigeria’s need to strengthen its international standing and reduce dependence on foreign nations for recognition and support.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, the visa denial incident underscores the importance of national unity and self-reliance. Ribadu’s strong stance reflects the government’s commitment to addressing such diplomatic setbacks while focusing on internal development and security.
