Kehinde Fajobi
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has condemned Canada for denying visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other top military officers, calling the move “disrespectful.”
Speaking on Thursday, February 13, at the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies’ annual lecture in Abuja, Ribadu did not hold back.
“Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell,” he declared.
His reaction followed Musa’s revelation that he and his delegation had been invited to an event honouring war veterans but were left stranded after the Canadian embassy refused to issue visas to some members.
“Every disappointment is a blessing,” Musa said. “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.”
He added that the incident was a wake-up call for Nigeria to strengthen its sovereignty.
READ ALSO: Securing Nigeria task for all citizens – Ribadu
“This is a reminder that we must stand on our own, stand strong as a nation, and refuse to be taken for granted.”
Ribadu echoed the sentiment, urging Nigeria to focus on self-reliance rather than seeking validation from foreign countries.
“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,” he said.