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Group Demands Apology From Canadian Embassy Over CDS Visa’s Denial
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The group under the auspices of Tribute to Our Troops has demanded a formal public apology within seven days from the Canadian Embassy over issues surrounding the Visa denial to the Chief of Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa and the Nigerian troops.
Recall that the CDS among others applied for a Canadian Visa to participate in the ongoing Invictus games in Vancouver, Canada, but some of them including the CDS were denied a Visa.
But a letter addressed to the H.E. Mr. Pasquale Salvaggio, High Commission of Canada in Nigeria dated 17th February 2025 a copy made available to LEADERSHIP titled; “Defamatory innuendo against the office of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a call for an immediate public apology” frowned at the development.
The letter signed by Amb. Princess Olivia Ava Adom Founder /President and Barr. Emmanuel Esedo Esq Legal Adviser averred that the office of the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria plays a crucial role in safeguarding national security, coordinating military operations, and ensuring the stability and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The group also stated that under the leadership of General Musa as CDS and with the full backing of the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria has made notable progress in combating insurgency, terrorism, and general insecurity, an effort the group said has reinforced Nigeria’s standing as a leading force in regional and global security cooperation.
According to the group as contained in the letter, “It is therefore with profound disappointment and concern that we address the recent actions of the Canadian authorities in denying entry to the CDS, Senior Military Generals and 10 wounded personnel. Their visit to Canada was for the Invictus Games 2025 in Vancouver-a globally recognized event honouring the sacrifices of military veterans. Their participation was not only symbolic but also an affirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to the well-being and rehabilitation of its wounded soldiers.200PS
“By denying entry to these esteemed representatives, the Canadian Embassy has undermined a noble cause and disrespected the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The refusal, whether deliberate or due to negligence, amounts to a serious diplomatic affront. It is an unwarranted insult that has not only ridiculed, embarrassed, and undermined the office of the CDS but has also discredited the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Additionally, If the purported reason for the Visa denial-‘an improperly issued note indeed originated from the Canadian authorities, it further disrespects Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and raises serious concerns about how diplomatic communications are handled between our nations. Such a situation calls into question the level of respect accorded to Nigeria by Canadian authorities to;
“The Office of the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
The group said the apology is essential not only as a matter of diplomatic courtesy but also as a reaffirmation of the principles of mutual respect, fairness, and international cooperation.
“We urge all well-meaning Nigerians, government agencies, and international organizations to stand in solidarity in demanding accountability for unjustified acts. The world is watching how nations retreat their allies and partners. We expect that Canada will take swift and appropriate steps to rectify this incident and ensure that diplomatic missteps do not recur in the future.
“We expect a formal public apology within 7 days of receiving this letter, as a gesture of goodwill and respect for the enduring relationship between our nation”.
The letter was copied, to the President, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Senate President, the Speaker, the House of Representatives, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Chairman and Senate Committee on Navy and others.
The Nigerian electricity sector slowed in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with the electricity production index declining by 1.64% year-on-year (y-o-y).
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says this marks a reversal from the 5.55% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024).
Average estimated electricity generation rose by 2.34% to 4,206.50 megawatts per hour (MW/h) from 4,110.47 MW/h in Q3 2024.
Similarly, electricity consumption saw a modest increase of 2.63%, reaching 4,105.66 MW/h from 4,000.24 MW/h in the preceding quarter.
This is as the Nigerian economy witnessed widespread expansion in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with 21 out of 22 subsectors recording positive growth.
On a quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) basis, however, the subsector showed signs of recovery, as the index rose by 22.50% compared to a significant decline of 49.46% in the previous quarter.
The broad-based economic expansion in Q4 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including improved business confidence, increased consumer spending, and enhanced performance in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
The government’s fiscal and monetary policies, aimed at stabilising inflation and boosting investment, also contributed to the positive momentum.
According to the CBN, the improvement was largely attributed to enhanced gas supply to thermal power stations and the continued implementation of the Siemens Power Project, which has positively impacted power generation, transmission, and distribution networks.
Notably, the oil and gas sector benefited from relatively stable crude oil prices and improved domestic production, which provided a boost to overall economic output.
The data also stated that the non-oil sector, particularly fintech and digital services, also played a significant role in driving economic activities.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara speaking when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups in Port Harcourt.
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.
Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-El-Fitr Sallah visit.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”
He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but emphasised that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.
“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.
He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim community during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.
He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.
Urging patience and perseverance, Governor Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constitutional authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Muslim community, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, declared their solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.
Alhaji Uhor stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Governor Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.
He noted that unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100% Christian state, Governor Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.
Encouraging the governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.
He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.
He further called on President Bola Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Governor Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.
During the visit, prayers were offered for suspended Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising junta-led Mali, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso have imposed a 0.5 percent import duty on goods from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member nations.
The move further strains relations between the three junta-led nations and the ECOWAS, which they withdrew from earlier this year following a series of military coups and economic sanctions.
The AES, which began as a security pact between the military rulers of the three countries in 2023, has now metamorphosed into an aspiring economic union with plans for biometric passports and closer economic and military ties.
In a joint statement last week, the AES said the levy aims to generate revenue to fund the alliance’s activities.
The tax, which came into effect on Friday, applies to all imports from ECOWAS countries, except humanitarian aid.
The taxes also disrupt the free trade once enjoyed by all countries in the West African region.
The economic implications could be severe, leading to higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions, and strained regional economic stability.
While it may provide short-term revenue for the junta-led governments, it risks other long-term consequences, including weakened regional integration.
ECOWAS has maintained that it will keep diplomatic channels open with the junta-led states until July, despite announcing their permanent expulsion from the bloc earlier this year.