Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), criticized the Canadian embassy for refusing visas to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other military leaders. During his remarks on Thursday at the inaugural annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, Ribadu exclaimed that Canada “can go to hell.”
He referred to the visa denial as “disrespectful,” reacting to the CDS’s earlier comments about how he and his team were scheduled to attend an official event in Canada on Wednesday but were turned away. The event aimed to honor war veterans, but Musa emphasized that this denial underscores Nigeria’s need to be self-reliant and strong, insisting that the country should no longer be underestimated.
Musa expressed his disappointment, stating, “Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada for an event to honor our veterans, those injured in battle; we were invited, but only half of our team could go.”
When Ribadu took the microphone, he did not hide his frustration and praised the CDS for being forthright about the situation. “Thank you for your courage in stating that Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell,” he declared.
He acknowledged the painful nature of the incident but highlighted the need for Nigeria to work harder for progress. Ribadu also commended Musa for his “purposeful leadership” in the fight against insecurity, emphasizing the cooperation among various security agencies across the nation.
