Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has issued a “resolute” call for Nigeria to adopt an assert position on the global stage in the light of recent diplomatic incident involving the denial of visas by Canada to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa and other members of the Nigerian military delegation.
The “unfortunate” situation occurred as they sought entry visas “to a significant function honoring Nigerian veterans in Canada.”
Matawalle, in a statement by the Ministry of Defence, expressed profound disappointment regarding the treatment of the Nigerian delegation, emphasizing that such actions jeopardize the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Canada.
“This incident is not merely a bureaucratic oversight. It is a serious affront to our national dignity and integrity. We cannot allow our country to be treated with such disregard and levity on the international stage,” he stated.
The Minister of State called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the reasons behind this visa denial, asserting that Nigeria must respond decisively to uphold its reputation as a key player in global affairs.
“We must not remain passive in the face of such disrespect. It is imperative that the Nigerian government takes a firm diplomatic stance. If no satisfactory explanation is provided, we must be prepared to respond appropriately and assertively,” Minister Matawalle declared.
He added that “the denial of visa raises significant concerns regarding Canada’s treatment of Nigerian military officials and the overall state of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
“While the specific reasons for the visa refusals remain unclear, this incident underscores the persistent bureaucratic and political challenges that Nigerian officials encounter in international engagements.”
He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining its dignity and respect in the international arena, urging all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
