Canada’s decision to deny some senior military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, visas, has continued to generate reactions as the country considers the appropriate diplomatic response to the incident.
Both the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, hinted on Friday that the country could respond “decisively” to the situation.
The military officials had been invited to an event honouring war veterans in Canada. But while some members of the delegation received visas, others were denied entry, causing disappointment and frustration.
General Musa shared his experience at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on Thursday, expressing his dismay over the visa refusal.
He described the situation as a “wake-up call” for Nigeria and urged the nation to strengthen its sovereignty and stand firm on its own.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, supported the Chief of Defence Staff.
Ribadu condemned Canada’s action, calling the visa denial “disrespectful” and adding that “Canada can go to hell.”
Reacting, the Canadian High Commission on Friday acknowledged media reports on the visa denials but refrained from commenting on the specifics of the visa applications.
The commission confirmed its awareness of the situation but reiterated that it could not disclose details about the status of individual visa applications.
“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,” the statement read.
However, sources within the government have expressed frustration over the incident, which has escalated into a diplomatic issue.