Nigeria Won’t Tolerate Disrespect From Any Country, CDS Tells Canada

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has addressed the controversy surrounding the denial of visas to Nigerian military personnel by the Canadian High Commis­sion, stating that Nigeria will not accommodate any form of disrespect from any country.

According to him, all neces­sary requirements were met.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday while receiving the Armed Forces of Nigeria con­tingent that participated in the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada, Musa said many crit­ics of Nigeria’s participation in the event were misinformed.

“On the issue of visa denial, we must understand that trav­eling abroad is not a necessity. Nigeria is good enough for all of us,” he said.

He explained that the mili­tary had received an official in­vitation, followed due process, and complied with all require­ments.

He further noted that key members of the team, includ­ing the team captain, medical doctor, and physiotherapist, were denied visas for reasons unknown.

“Everyone knows that members of the armed forces do not take shortcuts. The Min­ister of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Adviser were aware of this journey, and we followed due process. Yet, critical members of the team were not granted visas. The question remains: why?” Musa asked.

Musa said it was important for people to understand that Nigerians deserve respect all over the world, adding that Ni­geria must never accommodate disrespect from anybody.

Commending the athletes for their performance, Musa lauded them as true embodi­ment of the Invictus spirit— unconquered, unbroken, and unstoppable.

The visa denial has sparked widespread debate across Ni­geria, with many condemning Canada’s actions.