Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has said that Nigeria will not tolerate any form of disrespect from any country, emphasising that Nigerians deserve fair treatment on the global stage.
Speaking at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja on Wednesday, General Musa provided insight into the visa denial saga involving him and other senior military officer, explaining that due process was followed and all relevant government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of State, and NSA, were aware of their travel arrangements to Canada for the 2025 Invictus Games.
His remarks came in response to the recent controversy where top military officials, including the team captain, medical personnel, and physiotherapist, were denied visas by the Canada High Commission in Nigerja despite fulfilling all necessary requirements.
LEADERSHIP reports that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, had earlier criticised the Canadian High Commission over the incident, questioning the rationale behind the action.
“On the issue of the denial of the visa, it must be tackled. 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, we followed the process,” the defence chief stated.
He further questioned the reasons behind the visa denial, noting that critical team members were left out.
“For reasons best known to them, most of the members of the team were denied visas. You remember, the team captain did not go. The medical doctor was not there. The physiotherapist did not go. All those that were important for the team were not given visas. And the question is why?”
Musa expressed confidence that the federal government would address the situation, insisting that Nigeria must not accommodate any form of disrespect from other nations.
“I think it’s important for people to understand that we deserve respect as Nigerians all over the world. We must never accommodate disrespect from anybody because we are a good country,” he said.
Beyond the visa controversy, General Musa reaffirmed the military’s commitment to supporting wounded and retired personnel, ensuring they were not abandoned after their service to the nation.
“As we celebrate the achievements of our team, let us also remember the sacrifices made by all of our ex-service members in line of their duties,” he stated.
He emphasised the need for continuous support and reintegration efforts for injured soldiers, pledging that as the Chief of Defence Staff, he would do everything necessary to maintain the morale of troops.
“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 be taken care of.”
Addressing critics who questioned why the Nigerian military sends personnel to such events, General Musa dismissed their concerns as ignorance.
“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,” he stated.
Musa pointed out that other countries prioritise the welfare of their wounded soldiers, and Nigeria must do the same.
“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 deep and allow schools to also pass through us,” he remarked.
Despite the visa challenges, General Musa praised the Nigerian athletes who participated in the Invictus Games, calling them a source of national pride.
“For our indigenous guests who participated, 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,” the CDS stated.
