‘They Can Go to Hell,’ Ribadu Slams Canadian Embassy For Denying Defence Chief Visa
National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has sharply criticized the Canadian Embassy for denying visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officials.
Ribadu made the remarks on Thursday during the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja. The NSA’s comments came in response to Musa’s revelation that he and several senior military officers were unable to attend an official event in Canada because their visa applications were rejected.
The event, which took place on Wednesday, was organized to honor war veterans, including those who were injured in battle. Musa, who was invited along with his team, expressed disappointment that half of his delegation had their visas denied.
“Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada. There’s an event to honor our veterans, those that were injured during battles, and we were meant to be there,” Musa said. “We were invited with our team. Half has gone, and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing.”
Ribadu, in response, commended Musa for addressing the issue publicly, calling the visa denial “painful” and “disrespectful.” He further remarked, “Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell.”
Despite his frustration, Ribadu stressed Nigeria’s strength and resilience. “Even though it’s painful, it’s disrespectful, but we are peaceful and strong. I agree with you that it is time we fix our country. Yet, this is another reason we work hard to make Nigeria work,” he said.
Ribadu also praised Musa for his leadership in addressing the country’s security challenges, noting the collective efforts of security agencies to tackle issues of national security.
