By Abiola Olawale
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has strongly criticized the Canadian embassy for denying visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers.
Ribadu who spoke during an annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja, expressed his displeasure, describing the visa denial as “painful” and “disrespectful.”
This comes after Gen Musa had initially detailed an experience in which he and several senior military officers were denied entry into Canada while attempting to participate in an official engagement.
The CDS explained that the delegation had been invited to an event honouring war veterans but was left in limbo after the embassy denied visas to some of its members.
He said: “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada for an event to honour our veterans—those injured in battle. We were invited along with our team, but while half of us got visas, the other half was denied. It’s very disappointing.
“This is a reminder that we must stand on our own, stand strong as a nation, and refuse to be taken for granted.”
Echoing Musa’s comments, Ribadu commended the CDS for publicly addressing the issue, insisting that Nigeria must focus on building its own strength rather than seeking validation from foreign nations.
Ribadu asserted: “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, we are strong, and I agree with you—it is time to fix our country. This is yet another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria work.”
