National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has been lambasted for his recent outburst telling Canada to go to hell after the country denied top Nigerian military brass visa to attend a programme.
Former minister of foreign affairs between 1999-2003, Sule Lamido said Ribadu made a blunder by bringing the issue to the public domain thereby ridiculing and embarrassing the nation.
“The recent outbursts by the NSA on Canada for denying visas to our military personnel could have been handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who would have summoned the Canadian High Commissioner, if need be, to tongue lash him for his affront and threaten him with appropriate consequences,” Mr. Lamido wrote on his Facebook account.
“Much as I tried to suppress the urge not to put my feelings and concern on post, the love and the pride of my country have compelled me to react to the action of a novice, towing with our Sovereign image”.
“The last two years have exposed our rookie management in navigating our foreign relationships on the Regional and Global stage with ECOWAS and now with Canada”.
“The whole blunder could have been avoided if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were allowed to play their role as the key Ministry in guiding our conduct on the global stage”.
“The NSA’s unnecessary outbursts have unwittingly brought to the public domain the embarrassing humiliation meted on Nigeria by the Canadian High Commission”.
“The NSA should not and must not appropriate the duties of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
Meanwhile the Canadian High Commission refused to give any information on why the army officers including Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa.
“The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria is aware of media reports related to planned travel to Canada by senior officials,” the commission wrote on X
“However, for privacy reasons, we are unable to provide any comment on the status of visa applications of specific individuals.”
