The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has acknowledged media reports concerning the visa denials of some senior Nigerian military officers, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, but did not comment, citing privacy reasons.
The Commission issued a statement on Friday acknowledging the visa denial issue through its official Twitter handle, @CanHCNigeria.
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.”
Persecondnews recalls that the officers were invited to attend a Canadian event to honour war veterans for which some delegation members have been given visas.
However, other officers were denied visas, sparking controversy.
Speaking at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on Thursday, Musa expressed his disappointment and dismay over the visa refusal.
He described the situation as a “wake-up call” for Nigeria, emphasizing the need for the nation to bolster its sovereignty, stand firm on its own, and assert its independence in the face of external influences.
He said: “This is a reminder that we must stand on our own, stand strong as a nation, and refuse to be taken for granted.”
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu also condemned Canada’s actions as “disrespectful”.
He emphasized the need for Nigeria to focus on internal strength and improving its own stability, rather than relying on external validation.
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