Senator Ali Ndume reacts to the denial of a Canadian visa to Nigeria’s CDS, urging Nigerians to "respect themselves." He believes proper protocol was ignored in the application process and encourages local leadership to focus on internal progress rather than relying on foreign engagements.
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has voiced strong opinions regarding the recent denial of a Canadian visa to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa. The incident unfolded when the CDS and other high-ranking military officials were denied visas to attend an event in Canada meant to honor war veterans. According to Musa, the denial served as a stark reminder for Nigeria to "stand on its own" and not be undermined internationally.
During an interview on Channels Television, Senator Ndume emphasized that Nigerians must first "respect themselves" to avoid such diplomatic embarrassments. He acknowledged the disrespect the visa denial symbolized but stressed that Nigerian leadership should have ensured the proper steps were taken to secure the necessary travel documentation, including a formal invitation letter. Ndume also remarked that the Nigerian government should reconsider its dependence on international travel and focus more on respecting its authority. He mentioned that, despite the unfortunate incident, the CDS should not be overly concerned, suggesting that Nigerian leaders could do more by staying at home and investing in the country's internal progress.
This diplomatic debacle has sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, with figures like National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo expressing their discontent. The Canadian High Commission has yet to comment on the specifics of the visa denial but maintains that privacy regulations prevent them from disclosing any details on individual applications.
