The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has sharply criticized the Canadian Embassy for denying a visa to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, labeling the move as disrespectful to the nation.
General Musa revealed on Thursday, during the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies, that he and members of his team were denied visas to attend a veterans’ event in Canada.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Tunji-Ojo expressed deep concern over the decision, questioning how ordinary Nigerians would be treated if the country’s top military officer faced such rejection.
“Without knowing the full facts, I think even for us, the issue of reciprocity has to be given due consideration. Migration management is a sovereign issue, but this is disrespectful not just to the Chief of Defence Staff, but to Nigeria as a whole. If this can happen to him, what then is the fate of the average Nigerian?” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The minister emphasized that any concerns the Canadian Embassy had could have been addressed through diplomatic channels, assuring that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would take steps to resolve the issue and ensure mutual respect between both countries.
Echoing similar sentiments, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who also spoke at the event, condemned Canada’s actions, saying, “Canada can go to hell,” and stressed the need for Nigerian leaders to intensify efforts in making the country better.
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