Team Nigeria achieved success at the Invictus Games, winning several medals, but this was overshadowed by the visa denial of Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa by the Canadian High Commission. This diplomatic spat has raised concerns over Nigeria’s current foreign policy, as officials voiced strong discontent and called for a reevaluation of how Nigeria engages with international partners. The incident underscores the need for improved diplomatic representation and the handling of international relations.
The Invictus Games concluded on February 16, where Team Nigeria secured multiple medals, including a gold. Despite this success, the achievement was overshadowed by the denial of a visa to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, by the Canadian High Commission. The response from top Nigerian officials was fierce, with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, expressing extreme displeasure by stating that Canada could ‘go to hell.’
The Canadian High Commission refrained from commenting on the specifics of the visa denial, citing privacy reasons. However, this diplomatic incident could have been avoided, raising questions about Nigeria’s diplomatic strategy. The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry, aim to support wounded military personnel through competitive sports and held their seventh edition in Canada, welcoming Nigeria as the only African participant.
Due to the visa debacle, Musa’s planned leadership of the Nigerian delegation was interrupted, impacting several athletes, including the team captain. Musa questioned the visa denial, asserting that Nigeria deserved respect and due process had been followed. He highlighted that developed nations evaluate countries based on long-term policies rather than emotive appeals.
Approximately two weeks before this incident, the Canadian government had enabled its immigration officials to revoke temporary resident permits under specific undisclosed conditions. This move hints at stricter immigration controls which Nigeria must navigate carefully. The current diplomatic management by President Bola Tinubu appears disorganized, as he has yet to replace recalled ambassadors, which compromises Nigeria’s diplomatic relations.
Historically, diplomacy has been essential for resolving international disputes, a point highlighted by past failures, such as the unfortunate experience of the Super Eagles due to the absence of an ambassador in Libya. An effective High Commissioner in Ottawa could have potentially mitigated the visa issue proactively.
Amidst the diplomatic turmoil, Nigeria’s ongoing challenges regarding human rights and security further strain its international relations. Accounts of military violence against civilians tarnish Nigeria’s global image and undermine its standing. To avoid similar humiliations, such as the visa incident with Canada, Nigeria must improve its internal and external diplomatic conduct.
In retrospect, the denial of the visa to General Musa may inadvertently benefit Nigeria by allowing him to concentrate on addressing the pressing security challenges the country faces. Additionally, the presence of a large military contingent at the games would have unnecessarily strained Nigeria’s financial resources. Consequently, Canada may have inadvertently spared Nigeria from additional expenses.
In summary, the visa denial of Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa has exposed flaws in Nigeria’s diplomatic strategy, emphasizing the need for effective international representation. The incident not only highlights Nigeria’s challenges regarding human rights and internal security but also serves as a reminder that countries are evaluated based on their conduct and respect towards their citizens. To enhance its global standing and prevent future embarrassments, Nigeria must adopt a more strategic approach to diplomacy and internal governance.
Original Source: punchng.com
