News
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 Association of Scavengers, Scrap Dealers, and Recyclers, Abuja, has publicly dissociated itself from a Federal High Court suit filed by unregistered scavengers and beggars against the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the association’s chairman, Mallam Muntari Mohammed, clarified that the group is a duly registered body, with members holding valid identity cards and engaging in legitimate waste management, scrap trading, and recycling businesses.
He stressed that the association has always complied with the FCT Administration’s rules and regulations, maintaining a clean record.
Muntari noted that the association had formally written to the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant agencies to affirm its commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and adhering to stipulated guidelines.
He distanced the group from unregistered scavengers, whom he accused of tarnishing the reputation of legitimate operators through theft and other illicit activities.
The chairman addressed the FCT Minister’s recent ban on scavenging, which stemmed from misunderstandings about the distinction between honest scavengers and rogue elements.
“We have never confronted the FCT authorities and will never do so,” Muntari said, emphatically dissociating the association from the court case against Wike.
The Vatican has confirmed that only one round of voting will take place this Wednesday afternoon as the conclave to elect the next pope officially gets underway.
Cardinals from around the world gathered earlier Wednesday in the Sistine Chapel, where they took a sacred oath of secrecy before the chapel doors were ceremonially closed with the Latin phrase “extra omnes,” meaning “everyone out.” The papal master of ceremonies then declared the start of the conclave, invoking a centuries-old tradition whose name comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “locked with key.”
Wednesday’s solitary ballot marked the opening step in the process to choose the new leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. Should the vote prove inconclusive requiring a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope, cardinals will resume the process on Thursday, casting up to four ballots daily until consensus is reached.
Each cardinal votes by writing “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”) on a paper ballot, followed by the name of their chosen candidate. In a quiet and orderly procession, they approach the silver and gilded urn in order of seniority to place their ballots.
As the final vote is cast, the tension rises in St. Peter’s Square, where the faithful and millions watching around the globe await the first sign of smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. Black smoke will indicate that no decision has been made; white smoke will proclaim that a new pope has been elected.
The last two conclaves, in 2005 and 2013, ended on the second day, with Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis elected after a series of swift ballots, respectively.
As the doors remain closed and Vatican cameras withdraw, the world waits in hushed anticipation for the next chapter in the history of the Catholic Church to be written.
Governor Hyacinth Alia will not honour the House of Representatives Committee invitation scheduled for Thursday, May 8.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, confirmed this to journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi.
The House had summoned the governors of Benue and Zamfara, alongside their Assembly leadership.
Kula stated that the invitation is unconstitutional and the governor will not comply with it.
He explained that Alia has filed a case at the Supreme Court challenging the lawmakers’ invitation.
“Yesterday, the Benue Assembly passed a resolution rejecting the Reps Committee invitation.
“They believe the invitation is based on ignorance and have decided not to attend. They will also challenge it in court,” he said.
Kula added that the governor, independently, has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the invitation’s legality.
He said: “Since the matter is in court, I will not speak further on it.”
Kula also claimed that the civil society group behind the petition is faceless and unregistered.
According to him, the address on the group’s letterhead is fake and lacks credibility.
He said there is a coordinated campaign of misinformation and sponsored protests aimed at destabilising Benue.
In recent weeks, he noted, there have been protests in Abuja allegedly representing Benue people’s concerns.
“These protests aim to provoke a state of emergency in Benue by portraying it in a negative light,” he said.
He claimed the organisers seek to undermine progress and return to a failed political order.
“Their ultimate goal is to create chaos for selfish political gain,” Kula added.
He accused the protest sponsors of trying to remove the governor through disruptive means.
“They will not succeed. Benue people stand firmly with their governor,” he said.
He assured the public that Benue remains peaceful and the government is functioning effectively.
“Governor Alia is committed to fulfilling his mandate and addressing the state’s challenges,” he said. (NAN)