The diplomatic quarrel between Nigeria and Canada over the denial of visa to Nigeria?s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and his entourage, was avoidable. Gen Musa, while welcoming those who participated in the Invictus Games in

the North American country, emphasised that the Nigerian military was duly invited to the ceremony by the Duke of Sussex, and that the foreign ministry was aware of the visa applications denied.

He said the team captain, the medical doctor, and the physiotherapist, were all denied visas.

If the claims are correct, then the Canadian embassy should apologise to Nigeria and the applicants.

Clearly, foreign relations is based on the principle of reciprocity, and no foreign country should escape the consequences of abusing the bilateral relations with Nigeria. If the Canadian embassy, without justification, treated the highest ranking military officer in Nigeria with contempt and disrespect, then our foreign embassy must be alerted to give back to the Canadians a taste of their diplomatic dish.

But, considering that the matter is about Nigeria?s diplomatic relationship, we expect the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be telling Nigerians what is going on. Speaking at the Defence Headquarters, Musa said: ?On the issue of visa denial ? we received an official invitation, followed due process, and complied with all requirements. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of State, the NSA ? everyone was aware of the journey.? He went on, ?for reasons best known to them, many crucial team members were not granted visas. The question remains ? why??

In his reaction earlier, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in exasperation had un-diplomatically thundered, Canada can ?go to hell.?

We thought that a person of the CDS?s standing should have a diplomatic passport, and his visa application will be routed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will accompany it with a note verbale. In diplomacy, such an application will not be denied by a friendly nation.

A retired Nigerian diplomat, Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie, in an interview, said: ?High officials of the rank of the CDS, COAS, and Service Chiefs should normally hold diplomatic passports. Application for visas of such top officials should be routed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and forwarded with a note verbale. He went on: ?In this case, denial of visa will be inconceivable.

?So, Nigerians need to know who did what, and whether the error was as a result of mistake by the applicants, or that Canada merely spurned its friendly relationship with Nigeria. The CDS affirmed that the Federal Government is investigating the incident, and we support a probe by the relevant ministries and agencies. The disrespect should not be swept under the carpet, to avoid a recurrence. If the error is from our side, those concerned should own up and accept responsibility for their mistakes.

As the NSA and the CDS said in their reactions, Nigeria is an important country that deserves the respect of other nations. Their message that the incident is a wake-up call for all and sundry to work hard to make Nigeria greater is in sync. The way a country is treated in diplomatic circles is a reflection of how the country is viewed by other nations. The officials who treated the visa applications of the CDS and his team with contempt may have done so because they have a jaundiced opinion that everyone applying for their country?s visa is seeking a permanent relocation.

While the grant or refusal of visa is the prerogative of every sovereign nation, the prevailing view amongst many that Nigeria is irredeemable is sad. We believe that Nigeria is redeemable and our collective effort will make it possible.

Nigerians must believe in the future of their country, and no foreign nation should be allowed to treat our citizens with disrespect. (The Nation Editorial)

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