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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!”
