Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has slammed the Canadian government over the denial of visas to members of a delegation of top military officers including Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
Reacting to the development, Ribadu, on Thursday at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja, described the visa snub as “disrespectful” and declared that Canada “can go to hell.”
The NSA said however that though “it’s painful and disrespectful”, it was a pointer to another reason why it was necessary to “work hard to make Nigeria work.”
His reaction came after Gen Musa narrated how he and some senior military officers were denied entry into Canada for 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.
“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,” Musa said
He described the move as a wake-up call for Nigeria 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 added.
Reacting to the development, Ribadu commended the CDS for publicly addressing the issue, insisting that Nigeria must focus on building its strength rather than seeking validation from foreign nations.
“Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell,” Ribadu declared.
“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.”
