Nigeria Condemns Canada for Visa Denial to Military Chief and Delegation

The Nigerian government has condemned Canada for denying visas to senior military officers, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. This diplomatic incident has sparked significant disappointment and criticism from Nigerian officials who deem the actions disrespectful. The situation raises concerns about the implications for Nigeria’s sovereignty and the treatment of its citizens.

The Nigerian government has expressed strong condemnation towards Canada for denying visa approvals to senior military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. Only half of the military delegation was able to secure the necessary permissions to travel to Canada for an official engagement scheduled for Wednesday. This situation highlights a critical diplomatic tension between Nigeria and Canada, as it has caused significant disappointment within the Nigerian armed forces.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo described Canada’s actions as “disrespectful” to Nigeria, expressing concern over the implications for the country’s image on the global stage. The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria acknowledged awareness of the situation but refrained from providing specific details due to privacy considerations. This incident follows newly enacted Canadian regulations that empower immigration officials to revoke temporary resident documents under certain circumstances, aiming to enhance border security.

General Musa expressed his dissatisfaction, noting that their planned participation in an event honoring war veterans was thwarted due to visa complications. He voiced that the blocking of his team from attending such an important event serves as a “wake-up call” for Nigeria to uphold its sovereignty more vigorously. Additionally, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu criticized Canada’s decision as “disrespectful”, declaring that Canada can “go to hell” and emphasizing that Nigeria must focus on its development and resilience.

In a televised interview, Minister Tunji-Ojo further articulated that Canada’s actions lacked justification, suggesting that diplomatic channels should have been utilized to communicate any concerns. He emphasized the alarming implication of such incidents affecting high-ranking officials for the safety and treatment of ordinary Nigerians. Despite the current tensions, he expressed hope for a resolution that would restore mutual respect between Nigeria and Canada.

The denial of visas to Nigerian military officials by Canada has elicited significant outrage from the Nigerian government, highlighting a breach of diplomatic courtesy. The cancellation of visas has raised concerns about the efficacy of diplomatic practices and the broader implications for Nigerian citizens. Officials have called for a reassessment of the relationship and expressed aspirations for diplomatic resolution to ensure respect between the nations.

Original Source: www.bbc.com