Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, NSA, has berated the Canadian embassy for denying the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Christopher Musa, and other army chiefs visas, saying the North American country “can go to hell”.
The Cable reports that Ribadu spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies, AANISS.
According to the report, the NSA was reacting to comments by the CDS, who narrated how he and other top military officers were supposed to be in Canada for an official assignment on Wednesday but were denied visas.
Musa was quoted as saying that the denial is a clear reminder that the country must “stand on its own, stand strong as a nation and should no longer be taken for granted”.
“Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada. There’s an event to honour 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.”
Reacting to the development, Ribadu expressed displeasure at the incident, but commended the CDS for speaking about it.
“Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell,” the NSA said.
“Even though it’s painful, it’s disrespectful, but we are peaceful and strong and I agree with you that it is time to fix our country.
“Yet, this is another reason we work hard to make Nigeria work.”
