The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has told Canada to “go to hell”.
A livid Ribadu, who spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies, expressed his displeasure over the attitude of the North American country in denying visa to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers.
Ribadu strongly criticised the Canadian Embassy for denying the Military Chief and other officers visas for an official engagement.
The CDS had earlier shared his frustration over the incident, revealing that he and his team were invited to an event honouring war veterans in Canada but were denied visas.
He said: “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada. There’s an event to honour our veterans, those that were injured during battles, and we were meant to be there.
“We were invited with our team. Half has gone and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing. This is a clear reminder that we must stand strong as a nation and should no longer be taken for granted”.
Ribadu called the visa denial “an act of disrespect”.
“Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell.
“Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful and strong. I agree with you, it is time to fix our country. Yet, this is another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria work”.
He also commended the CDS for his leadership in combating insecurity, emphasising that all security agencies are now working together across various regions of the country.
