CDS Musa warns against disrespect for Nigeria after visa denial incident
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has warned that Nigeria will not tolerate any form of disrespect from other countries towards its citizens.
Speaking at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, Musa addressed the recent denial of visas by the Canadian High Commission to him and several top military officials, preventing their participation in the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada, last week.
Musa expressed disappointment over the incident, stating that Nigerians are being treated unfairly by some countries. He emphasized that the denial came despite all due processes being followed, with the awareness and approval of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.
The visa denial was condemned by the Federal Government, with Ribadu and Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo describing the situation as unacceptable.
Gen. Musa dismissed claims that the military was not invited to the Invictus Games, an event initiated by the Duke of Sussex. He explained that the military received formal invitations and adhered to all required protocols.
“For reasons best known to them, most of our team members, including the team captain, medical doctor, and physiotherapist, were denied visas,” Musa said. “We deserve respect as Nigerians all over the world, and we must never accommodate disrespect from anyone because we are a good country.”
Musa commended the wounded soldiers who participated in the games, celebrating their courage and determination. He assured the public that injured military personnel would not be abandoned, adding that ensuring the welfare of soldiers is a top priority.
“Whatever it takes to raise the morale of our troops, we will do it. Our troops need to know that if anything happens to them, they will be well cared for,” he said.
Musa also criticized those questioning the importance of supporting injured soldiers, highlighting the sacrifices made by the armed forces and the importance of such initiatives in maintaining troop morale.
