There were indications yesterday that the Canadian Embassy denied the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa and top military brass visa due to a diplomatic error.
The affected officers applied for Canadian visas without Note Verbale (Diplomatic note) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
But the Federal Government has stepped into the matter and was trying to salvage the situation last night.
A top source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “There was a diplomatic error on the part of desk officers who handled the CDS and others’ visa applications.
“There was no Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contrary to existing protocol for any trip by high-ranking government officials.
“Since, those going for the trip are top military chiefs.
“At this level, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ought to attach a Note Verbale indicating that the trip was genuine without security implications.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “The Federal Government is discussing with Canadian Embassy officials to salvage the situation.
“All I can tell you is that there is no diplomatic issue with Canada. We are only trying to get a few things right.”
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu condemned the Canadian government for denying visas to General Musa and other top military officers.
Speaking at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, Ribadu said Canada “can go to hell”.
He spoke following Gen. Musa’s comment on the development.
Gen. Musa said he and his team were scheduled to attend a war veterans event in Canada but were denied entry.
“Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday (Wednesday), I was meant to be in Canada.
“There’s an event to honour our veterans, those injured during battles, and we were meant to be there.
“We were invited with our team. Half of the team have gone and the other half have been denied. It’s very disappointing,” Musa said.
Ribadu hailed the CDS for speaking openly about the incident and called for a stronger Nigeria that would no longer be taken for granted.
The NSA said: “Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell.
“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 Gen. Musa for his leadership in the fight against insecurity, highlighting the ongoing collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies to strengthen national security.
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, hailed Ribadu, saying Nigeria must not ignore such disrespect.
In a post on his X account @realFFK, he said: “At last we now have an NSA that has some balls and that is prepared to stand up to foreigners that treat our people with contempt.
“@NuhuRibadu was right when he said that the Canadian Embassy was being ‘disrespectful’ by not granting visas to some of our military top brass, including the CDS, who were scheduled to attend a formal event in their country. He also told them to ‘go to hell!’ Proud of you Nuhu!
“The days of foreign governments kicking us in the teeth and getting away with it are long over.
“What makes this case worse is that Canada may not even be a sovereign, independent country for much longer if @realDonaldTrump has his way and may end up being the 51st state of America!
“Imagine a conflicted entity like that which is not sure of its own future treating our senior military officers with contempt.
“They should not only ‘go to hell’ but they should also go and jump in the lagoon. Nigeria has paid her dues and MUST be treated with respect.”(The Nation)
