Canada visa denial: Nigerian govt should apologise instead of further disgracing itself – Odinkalu

Prominent human rights advocate and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has strongly criticized the Nigerian government’s reaction to Canada’s denial of visas to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Chris Musa and a delegation of military officers.

Odinkalu condemned top government officials for publicly expressing outrage over the incident, describing their response as an embarrassment to the country.

“Senior officials of the Nigerian government, who should be ashamed of themselves, are instead outraged that Canada denied visas to the CDS and his team,” Odinkalu wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “How does anyone justify a delegation of over 70 officers led by the CDS to the Invictus Winter Games? When did Nigeria start participating in winter sports?”

The former NHRC chairman further questioned why the military delegation had applied for visas without going through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, calling the situation “foolish and irresponsible.”

Instead of criticizing Canada, Odinkalu argued, the Nigerian government should acknowledge its missteps and apologize. He also called for an investigation into the visa application process and the composition of the delegation.

“Instead of acknowledging a terrible owngoal & apologising, we have a disgraceful line-up of senior cabinet members, led by @NuhuR…du & including freelancing ministers, making the govt look more stupid. We may be lawless but other countries are not obliged to follow us in that.

“Instead of abusing Canada High Commission in Nigeria, Nigerian government owes them an apology. Additionally, in a proper system there will be an investigation as well as consequences for those who have brought this kind of embarrassment upon the country. These ppl shd stop disgracing themselves,” Odinkalu said in a post on X handle on Sunday.

The controversy arose after the Canadian embassy denied visas to Musa and several members of his team, who were scheduled to attend an event honoring Nigeria’s wounded army veterans at the Invictus Winter Games in Vancouver. While some members of the delegation managed to travel, others were left behind in Nigeria.

The Canadian embassy in Nigeria acknowledged awareness of the issue but declined to comment, citing privacy regulations. The visa refusal coincided with Canada’s recent introduction of stricter regulations aimed at bolstering border security and ensuring the integrity of its visa system.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu reacted angrily to the denial, saying Canada “can go to hell” for what he described as a “disrespectful” decision. His remark drew applause from an audience at a public event. Interior Minister Tunji Olubunmi-Ojo also criticized Canada’s stance but stated that diplomatic solutions would be explored.

The Invictus Winter Games, an international sporting event for wounded veterans, entered its fifth day on Friday.