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.”
Embassy deflects criticism
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.
Ministers knock Canada
The Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo, expressed strong disapproval of the embassy’s action, calling it disrespectful not only to General Musa but to Nigeria as a whole.
Tunji-Ojo suggested that Nigeria would consider reciprocal measures in light of the treatment of its highest-ranking military officer.
He emphasised that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would take steps to address the situation and ensure that diplomatic relations were upheld.
Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’ on Friday, Tunji-Ojo described the embassy’s decision as a sign of disrespect for Nigeria.
The minister said, “Without knowing the full facts, I believe that reciprocity must be considered in such matters. While we respect the sovereignty of other nations, the issue of visas and migration management should be approached with fairness.
“Denying a visa to the Chief of Defence Staff is not just disrespectful to him personally, but to Nigeria as a whole. If this can happen to a high-ranking official, then one must wonder about the fate of the average Nigerian.”
On his part, the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle, asked Nigeria to assert its position on the global stage.
A statement on Friday said Matawalle expressed “profound disappointment” regarding the treatment of the delegation, emphasising that such actions could jeopardise the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Canada.
