Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has fiercely criticized the Canadian embassy for refusing visas to Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and other senior military officials.
Ribadu made his stance clear in Abuja while speaking at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS). Expressing his frustration, he declared that Canada “can go to hell.”
His comments were in response to revelations by Musa, who disclosed that he and several high-ranking officers had been set to travel to Canada for an official event but were prevented due to the visa rejections.
Musa noted that the event was designed to honour war veterans, including wounded soldiers. He described the visa refusal as a moment of reflection for Nigeria to enhance its self-sufficiency.
“Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada. There’s an event to honour our veterans, those that were injured during battles, and we were meant to be there,” Musa said.
“We were invited with our team. Half has gone and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing.”
Reacting to the situation, Ribadu praised the CDS for openly addressing the issue.
“Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell,” Ribadu said.
“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,” he added.
