Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has revealed that the Canadian Embassy denied him and other senior military officials visas.
According to the CDS, he and the other Army Chiefs were scheduled to attend an event in Canada to honour war veterans, including those injured in battle.
“Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was supposed to be in Canada for an event celebrating our veterans, particularly those who were injured in combat, and we were expected to be there,” Musa stated.
“We were invited along with our team—half of us have gone, while the other half has been denied entry. It is very disappointing.”
In response, National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu condemned the Canadian Embassy for this action.
Speaking on Thursday at the inaugural annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, Ribadu expressed his frustration, stating that Canada “can go to hell.”
Ribadu commended Musa for addressing the issue publicly, describing the visa denial as ‘painful’ and ‘disrespectful.’
“Thank you for having the courage to acknowledge that Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell,” Ribadu asserted.
“While it’s painful and disrespectful, we remain peaceful and strong. I agree with you that it is time to rebuild our country. Yet, this incident is another reminder of why we must work diligently to make Nigeria thrive.”
Ribadu also praised Musa for his leadership in combating insecurity nationwide, emphasising that security agencies are collaborating effectively to tackle national security challenges.
