There were indications yesterday that the Canadian Embassy denied the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa and top military brass visa due to a diplomatic error.
The affected officers applied for Canadian visas without Note Verbale (Diplomatic note) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
But the Federal Government has stepped into the matter and was trying to salvage the situation last night.
A top source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “There was a diplomatic error on the part of desk officers who handled the CDS and others’ visa applications.
“There was no Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contrary to existing protocol for any trip by high-ranking government officials.
“Since, those going for the trip are top military chiefs.
“At this level, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ought to attach a Note Verbale indicating that the trip was genuine without security implications.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “The Federal Government is discussing with Canadian Embassy officials to salvage the situation.
“All I can tell you is that there is no diplomatic issue with Canada. We are only trying to get a few things right.”
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu condemned the Canadian government for denying visas to General Musa and other top military officers.
Speaking at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, Ribadu said Canada “can go to hell”.
He spoke following Gen. Musa’s comment on the development.
Text except headline courtesy The Nation
