The National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, has called out the Canadian Embassy for denying Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Christopher Musa, and other top military officers visas for an official engagement.
Mr Ribadu expressed his anger while speaking at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies, AANISS, in Abuja on Thursday.
Mr Musa had recounted how he alongside some of his colleagues were denied a visa by the North American country for the remembrance celebration of war veterans.
“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,” Mr Musa said.
“We were invited with our team. Half has gone and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing. This is a clear reminder that we must stand strong as a nation and should no longer be taken for granted,” the defence chief had said.
Reacting, Mr Ribadu described the incident as disrespectful and painful, saying however that they “can go to hell”.
“Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell.
“Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful and strong. I agree with you—it is time to fix our country. Yet, this is another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria work,” the NSA said.
