The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reacted to Canada’s decision to deny a visa to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, calling it an act of disrespect toward the country.
He assured that the Federal Government would take appropriate steps to address the issue through diplomatic channels.
General Musa had revealed on Thursday during the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies that he and some senior military officials were denied visas to attend an event in Canada honouring war veterans.
The revelation led to criticism from top Nigerian officials, with many viewing it as an insult to the country.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, who spoke at the same event with the CDS, described it as disrespectful and said that Canada “can go to hell.”
“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.”
Making his reaction known on Sunrise Daily, a program on Channels Television, Tunji-Ojo expressed his disappointment over the incident. He questioned how ordinary Nigerians would be treated if a high-ranking military officer could face such disrespect.
“Even without knowing all the details, I can say this is unacceptable. Visa and migration issues are sovereign matters, but there should be mutual respect between nations. If the Chief of Defence Staff can be treated this way, then what happens to the average Nigerian?” the minister stated.
Tunji-Ojo stressed that even if the Canadian authorities had concerns, diplomatic channels should have been used instead of outright visa refusal.
He assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would take necessary steps to address the matter and ensure Nigeria is treated with the respect it deserves.
