The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, says the Federal Government must take a “firm and assertive” stance following Canada’s refusal to grant visas to the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, and other senior military officials
The delegation was set to attend an event honouring Nigerian veterans in Canada, but their visas were denied in what the minister has described as a serious affront to Nigeria’s dignity.
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had on Thursday slammed the Canadian government over its decision to deny visas to the nation’s top military officers.
Despite condemnations and observations from various quarters, PUNCH Online reports that the Canadian government has yet to comment on the issue, citing privacy concerns.
Matawalle Disappointed
Matawalle, in a statement on Friday, expressing his deep disappointment, described the visa denial as a grave affront to Nigeria’s national dignity.
“This incident is not merely a bureaucratic oversight; it is a serious affront to our national dignity and integrity. We cannot allow our country to be treated with such disregard and levity on the international stage,” he stated.
The delegation had been scheduled to attend an event in Canada honouring Nigerian veterans, making the visa refusal particularly significant.
Matawalle emphasised that such treatment of Nigerian officials could have serious implications for the relationship between the two nations.
Probe Demanded
In response, the minister called for an urgent and thorough probe into the reasons behind the visa denials, stressing the need for Nigeria to take decisive diplomatic measures.
“We must not remain passive in the face of such disrespect. It is imperative that the Nigerian government takes a firm diplomatic stance.
“If no satisfactory explanation is provided, we must be prepared to respond appropriately and assertively,” Matawalle declared.
The incident, he argued, raises broader concerns about how Nigerian military officials and government representatives are treated in international engagements.
While the precise reason for the visa rejections remains unclear, Matawalle underscored that the matter should not be overlooked.
Bilateral Relations at Stake
The visa refusal comes amid ongoing discussions about diplomatic and security cooperation between Nigeria and Canada. Matawalle warned that if left unaddressed, such incidents could erode bilateral relations.
“The denial of visa raises significant concerns regarding Canada’s treatment of Nigerian military officials and the overall state of diplomatic relations between the two nations,” the minister noted.
He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining its dignity and global standing, urging all relevant stakeholders to take necessary steps to prevent such occurrences in the future.
