The Canadian government has denied visa applications for Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Christopher Musa, and several other top military officials.
General Musa stated this on Thursday while speaking at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS), in Abuja.
The Chief of Defence Staff described the incident as embarrassing and disappointing.
He added that denial was a clear reminder that the country must “stand on its own, stand strong as a nation and should no longer be taken for granted”.
Giving further information, CDS Musa said: “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday (Wednesday), I was meant to be in Canada. There’s an event to honour our veterans, those that were injured during battles, and we were meant to be there,” Musa said.
“We were invited with our team. Half has gone and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing.”
‘They can go to hell’ — Ribadu berates Canadian embassy
Meanwhile, Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), has expressed displeasure at the Canadian embassy for denying Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff (CDS), and other army chiefs visas.
Ribadu who was also at the event in Abuja, described the visa incident as disrespectful and painful.
He commended General Musa for having the courage to tell the ugly story. “Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell,” he said.
“Even though it’s painful, it’s disrespectful, but we are peaceful and strong and I agree with you that it is time to fix our country.
“Yet, this is another reason we work hard to make Nigeria work.”
Ribadu also praised the CDS for providing “purposeful leadership” in the war against insecurity. He noted that all security agencies are collaborating across many parts of the country.
