The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has reacted to media reports regarding the alleged visa denials of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other senior Nigerian military officials.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Canadian Embassy acknowledged the reports but refrained from commenting on the specifics of the visa applications, citing privacy concerns.
The statement reads:
“The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria is aware of media reports related to planned travel by senior officials. However, for privacy reasons, we are unable to comment on the status of visa applications of specific individuals,”
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Recall that Tribune Online earlier reported that the officials were invited to an event in Canada honouring war veterans. While some members of the delegation received visas, others were denied entry, leading to disappointment and frustration.
Speaking at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on Thursday, General Musa expressed his dismay over the visa refusal. He described the situation as a “wake-up call” for Nigeria, urging the nation to strengthen its sovereignty.
“This is a reminder that we must stand on our own, stand strong as a nation, and refuse to be taken for granted,” he said.
However, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, while reacting to it, condemned Canadian Embassy’s actions, describing the visa denial as “disrespectful”, adding that “Canada can go to hell.”
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