The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has warned that Nigeria will not tolerate any disrespect from any country against its citizens.
The CDS also dismissed insinuations from some quarters that members of the armed forces were not invited to Vancouver, Canada, to participate in the Invictus Games initiated by the Duke of Sussex.
General Musa stressed that Nigeria deserves respect from the international community.
He maintained that some countries treat Nigerians unfairly.
He stated this at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja yesterday, shortly after he received wounded military personnel who had participated in the games.
Recall that the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, tackled the Canada High Commission in Abuja last week for denying the military chief and other top officers visas to attend the programme.
Providing an insight into what transpired during the preparation for the programme, Musa said they followed all the due process and that all concerned government officials, including ministers and the NSA, were aware.
“The issue of visa denial must be tackled abroad. Nigeria is good enough for all of us. We had an agreement, we were invited, the programme was sent to us, we followed our requirements, and we followed the process.
“Everybody knows members of the Armed Forces; we will never take shortcuts. The minister of foreign affairs, the minister of state for foreign affairs, the NSA—everybody is aware of this journey, and we followed the process.
“But most team members were denied visas for reasons best known to them. You remember the team captain did not go. The medical doctor was not there. The physiotherapist did not go. All those that were important to the team were not given visas. The question is, why?
“Well, I’m happy the federal government is also looking at those aspects. I think it’s important for people to understand that we deserve respect as Nigerians all over the world. We must never accept disrespect from anybody because we are a good country.
“For our Indigenous guests participating, you have made Nigeria proud. Your courage and determination have left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who have witnessed your journey. You are a true embodiment of the indigenous spirit, unconquered, unbroken, and unstoppable.”
Speaking further, Musa explained that some of the military officers who have their legs and hands amputated or have other deformations won’t be abandoned as some people want them to be.
“As we celebrate the achievements of our team, let us also remember the sacrifices made by all of our ex-service members in line with their duties.
“Let us continue to honour the sacrifices provided to support the country by committing resources to ensure their well-being for their successful re-integration into civilian life.
“For me, as the chief of the defence staff, this is a clarion call that whatever it takes to raise the morale of our troops, we will do it, whatever the cost is, because we know, once the troops see what we are doing with those that are injured, they will want to do their best because they know if anything happens to them, they will want to do their best.
“I’ve had comments from individuals across, mostly from the views of ignorance in the aspect that, why are we taking troops out? And I wonder, if you see those ones that have sacrificed so much if you see those ones that have died if you see those ones that have amputated legs, hands, and somebody thinks it is not important or it is not good for us, to look after them.
“Those other countries that sent their own were not doing it just because they wanted to do it but because they knew the importance. So, sometimes when we go to school, we should read deeply and allow schools to pass through us.”
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