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Youth Coalition slams Canadian embassy for denying CDS visa, causing embarrassment to Nigeria’s sovereignty
Nigerian Youth umbrella body operating under the aegis of ‘The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders has lampooned the Canadian embassy for denying Nigeria’s Chief of Staff and his team visas for travel for sports activities which they were officially invited.
The body which comprise leaders of youth organisations across the six geopolitical zones of the country, speaking at a world press conference on Monday frowned at the manner with which the embassy treated the nation’s top military brass, General Christopher Gwabin Musa with disdain and wondered what could have been the cause.
Describing the treatment an affront on the sovereignty of the country, they demanded apology from the embassy and cautioned that such should not repeat itself in the future in the interest of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Canada.
The conference which was addressed by President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem and three other leaders noted that the denial of visa to the Chief of Defence Staff and his team was a slap on the nation’s sovereignty. An action that undermines the principles of respect and diplomacy that should guide international relations.
He said: “The head of our armed forces plays a crucial role in maintaining the security and stability of our nation, and such an arbitrary decision not only disrespects the authority of our military leadership but also challenges our right to engage with the global community on our own terms.
“Our nation’s sovereignty must be upheld, and this move represents a direct affront to that principle.
“The Coalition Of Nigerian Youth Leaders, CONYL, the umbrella Body of all the youth groups drawn across the six geopolitical express our deep concern and dismay regarding the recent denial of a visa to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Gwabin Musa and his team, the highest-ranking official of our nation’s armed forces.
“This decision is not only an insult to the individual concerned but, more importantly, a direct affront to the sovereignty of our country.
“The denial of a visa to such a high-ranking member of our leadership and his team is a blatant disregard for the diplomatic principles that should guide international relations. It sends a message that undermines the authority and dignity of our nation and its people.
“The CDS represents the strength and resilience of our military and, by extension, our entire nation. To deny the CDS the right to travel freely is to question the very sovereignty that we, as a nation, cherish and uphold.
“This act challenges our right to engage in international affairs and sends a dangerous signal about the disrespect of our sovereignty. Our country’s leadership must be allowed the opportunity to represent our nation and protect our interests on the global stage without fear of undue hindrances or disrespectful actions.
“Given the gravity of this issue, it is imperative that our nation responds accordingly to such an affront. Our response should be firm and reflective of the respect we hold for our sovereignty, as well as the principles of equality and mutual respect that should govern interactions between sovereign states.
“We urge our government to take the necessary steps to ensure that such disrespect is addressed and that our nation’s interests are safeguarded. We must stand united in the face of this challenge and demonstrate that our sovereignty is not negotiable.
“We trust that the federal government will consider this issue seriously and take the appropriate steps to protect our nation’s dignity and sovereignty. Enough Said!”
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has commended Senator Basheer Lado, for redefining the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, stating that, for the first time in a long while, the office is fully meeting its expectations.
Speaking during his visit to the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters accompanied by distinguished senators, Akpabio described the visit as a significant step in strengthening Executive-Legislative relations.
He praised the Special Adviser and his team for maintaining the confidentiality of communications between the President and Senate, and also, ensuring a seamless flow of information. He further emphasized that the office is now more result-oriented.
Additionally, he acknowledged the office’s diligent efforts in tracking all Bills passed by the Senate and assented to by the President, underscoring its critical role in legislative efficiency.
Expressing his satisfaction, Akpabio noted that he and the Senate delegation were proud of the office’s achievements and looked forward to sustaining the existing cordial and productive relationship between the Executive and the Legislature throughout the administration.
In recognition of his exemplary leadership, Senator Lado presented an Award of Excellence to Senator Akpabio.
In his remarks, Senator Lado reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a harmonious working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature. He lauded Akpabio for his unwavering dedication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—defending it with clarity, articulating it with passion, and advancing it through legislative action.
Ahead of the 2025 political party Congresses, Plateau State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) stakeholders has endorsed the defection of the candidate of the party in the 2023 general elections and the leader of Justice and Rebirth, Barr Gyang Zi SAN, to the All Progressive Congress (APC) with the view to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
They made the call in a communique issued at the end of the enlarge meeting of the stakeholders from Plateau North senatorial zone at the residence of Barr. Gyang Zi in Rayfield Jos.
The communique which was jointly signed by Dr. Ayiki Sati Director General, Justice and Rebirth and
Barr. Samuel Galadima- 2024 Chairmanship candidate of Jos East LGA among others said the call became imperative on the sideline of the leadership tussle at the National Level which violates the core principles and values for the formation of the Party as an alternative for Nigeria for the protection, sustenance of democracy and Social Justice.
They regretted that the leadership tussle has also divided the party into factions leaving party loyalists and supporters in the state of despondency and confusion not knowing where they belong.
Our correspondent reports that the gathering included LP candidates from the 2023/2024 general elections, party executives, and support groups from the six local government areas of the Northern Senatorial District.
Besides, the focus of the discussions was centered on the state of the Labour Party at both national and state levels and the need for political realignment ahead of the 2025 party congresses and conventions.
The stakeholders further frowned at the structural weaknesses in LP and resolved to advise Barr Gyang Zi, to leave the party and join the APC while expressing confidence that the APC would provide him with a platform to advance good governance in the state .
The communique also emphasized the importance of political consultations, particularly with APC leaders at both state and national levels. It called for collaboration with Plateau State APC leaders, including Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, Sen. Simon Bako Lalong, Sen. Diket Plang, and other party officials.
According to the communique, supporters of Barr Gyang Zi also pledged to mobilize grassroots support for the APC, stating that their leader’s defection would strengthen the party in the state.
They urged the APC leadership to formally receive Gyang Zi and his supporters into the party, marking their official transition from the Labour Party.
Stakeholders also reiterated the need for inclusive governance, ensuring that youths, women, and less privileged individuals are sidelined in the democratic process and accordingly officially denounced their membership in the Labour Party, declaring their support for the APC.
They assured that all LP structures aligned with Gyang Zi would follow suit, shifting their loyalty to the ruling party in the state and at the National level.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has extended his heartfelt felicitation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.
Governor Ododo in statement signed by his special adviser on media, Ismaila Isah described President Tinubu as a statesman whose leadership and dedication to national development continue to inspire hope and progress across Nigeria.
He commended the President’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is driving economic reforms, strengthening national unity, and advancing the nation’s democratic values.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kogi State, I celebrate Mr President and our father on this special day. Your resilience, visionary leadership, and patriotism have laid a strong foundation for Nigeria’s growth. We deeply appreciate your tireless efforts in repositioning our country for sustainable development,” Governor Ododo stated.
He further reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu’s administration and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and good health for the President as he leads Nigeria toward greater prosperity, sustainable development, peace and stability.
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