Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior has criticised the Canadian high commission for denying visa to Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff.
Gatekeepers News reports that Tunji-Ojo while speaking on Friday in an appearance on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television, said the action was disrespectful to Nigeria as a whole.
This came after the CDS disclosed that he and other top military officers were supposed to be in Canada for an official assignment on Wednesday, but were denied visas.
Speaking on the incident, Musa had said it was another reminder that Nigeria needs to “stand on its own, stand strong as a nation and should no longer be taken for granted.”
Reacting, the minister questioned the basis for Canada’s actions, saying diplomatic channels could have been used if there were any concerns.
Tunji-Ojo also expressed concerns about how average Nigerians are being treated by the high commission if such could happen to a high-ranking government official.
He said, “Without knowing the full facts, I think even for us in terms of visa policy, it means that the issue of reciprocity as l always say, has to be given due consideration.”
“As much as we are not ready to dabble into the sovereignty of other nations, the issue of visas, issue of migration management is a sovereign issue and right of every nation.”
“As much as we don’t want to dabble into that, it is not a disrespect to the chief of defence staff, to me, without knowing the facts, it is disrespectful to the country, and it is disrespectful to us as a people.”
“If that can happen to the chief of defence staff, then I am worried for an average Nigerian.”
The minister expressed optimism that Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs will resolve the issue diplomatically and ensure mutual respect between both nations.
