The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has narrated how the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and others were denied visas by the Canadian authorities for the Invictus Games.
In a statement on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, said the Nigerian military had received an invitation to participate in the games in Vancouver, Canada.
The statement read in part: “Our team, comprising three officers and 21 players, including a team physiotherapist, eagerly looked forward to this opportunity. As the only African nation participating in the games, the Invictus Games Foundation catered to our team’s accommodation and feeding needs, along with those of other participating nations.
“However, despite our best efforts, only 14 members of the team, excluding the team leader, captain, and physiotherapist, were granted visas. Regrettably, seven of our athletes, who had the potential to excel, were denied visas, preventing them from participating in the games.
“Notwithstanding this setback, our team’s outstanding performance earned Nigeria gold, silver, and bronze medals, proudly placing our nation and Africa on the global map of the Invictus Games. Furthermore, the participation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, would have added mental strength to our troops.”
The DHQ called on the public to “disregard the malicious allegations and support the efforts of the Armed Forces to enhance national security, and promote the welfare of our servicemen and women, especially those who sustained various degrees of injuries while protecting our dear nation.”
Reacting, the Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has advised that Nigerians must first respect themselves. Speaking on a live programme, the lawmaker also suggested that Nigerian leaders should learn to stay back at home.
“You brought about the CDS drama and how the NSA reacted or overreacted. In the first place, there’s no doubt that that is a kind of disrespect to Nigeria, but you have to respect yourself first,” he said.
Ndume added: “They should have written to them, inviting them. And it is that letter of invitation, I don’t know whether they did that, that they would have used to ask for a visa, and it should be clear, and if they don’t get the visa, they don’t go.
“I’m happy the CDS is not worried about it. But if you don’t respect yourself that much, this is what happens.”
