A group under the auspices of Tribute to Our Troops Charity Foundation, Nigeria, has demanded a formal public apology within seven days from the Canadian Embassy over issues surrounding the visa denial to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa and the Nigerian troops.
Recall that the CDS among others applied for a Canadian Visa to participate in the ongoing Invictus games in Vancouver, Canada, but some of them including the CDS were denied visa.
But a letter addressed to the H.E. Mr. Pasquale Salvaggio, High Commission of Canada in Nigeria dated 17th February, 2025, a copy made available to LEADERSHIP titled; “Defamatory innuendo against the office of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a call for immediate public apology,” frowned at the development.
The letter signed by Amb. Princess Olivia Ava Adom, founder /president and Barr. Emmanuel Esedo Esq, legal adviser, averred that the office of the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria plays a crucial role in safeguarding national security, coordinating military operations and ensuring the stability and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The group also stated that under the leadership of General Musa as CDS and with full backing of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria has made notable progress in combating insurgency, terrorism and general insecurity, an effort the group said has reinforced Nigeria’s standing as leading force in regional and global security cooperation.
The letter reads, “It is therefore with profound disappointment and concern that we address the recent actions of the Canadian authorities in denying entry to the CDS, Senior Military Generals and 10 wounded personnel. Their visit to Canada was for the Invictus Games 2025 in Vancouver-a globally recognized event honouring the sacrifices of military veterans. Their participation was not only symbolic but also an affirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to the well-being and rehabilitation of its wounded soldiers.
“By denying entry to these esteemed representatives, the Canadian Embassy has undermined a noble cause and disrespected the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The refusal, whether deliberate or due to negligence, amounts to serious diplomatic affront. It is an unwarranted insult that has not only ridiculed, embarrassed and undermined the office of the CDS but has also discredited the Nigerian Armed Forces and the federal republic of Nigeria.
“Additionally, if the purported reason for the Visa denial-‘an improperly issued note verbale-indeed originated from the Canadian authorities, it further disrespects Nigeria’s ministry of Foreign Affairs and raises serious concerns about how diplomatic communications are handled between our nations. Such a situation calls into question the level of respect accorded to Nigeria by Canadian authorities to;
“The Office of the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
The group said that an apology is essential not only as a matter of diplomatic courtesy but also as a reaffirmation of the principles of mutual respect, fairness, and international cooperation.
“We urge all well-meaning Nigerians, government agencies and international organizations to stand in solidarity in demanding accountability for unjustified act. The world is watching how nations retreat their allies and partners. It is our expectation that Canada will take swift and appropriate steps to rectify this incident and ensure that diplomatic missteps do not recur in the future.
“We expect a formal public apology within 7 days of receiving this letter, as a gesture of goodwill and respect for the enduring relationship between our nation”.
