Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said Nigeria will not accommodate any form of disrespect from any country.
Musa also dismissed insinuations from some quarters that members of the armed forces were not invited to Vancouver, Canada to participate in Invictus games initiated by Duke of Sussex.
Speaking at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, shortly after he received wounded military personnel that participated in the games, the Defence Chief said Nigerians were being treated unfairly by some countries.
Our correspondent had earlier reported reports that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had last week tackled the Canada High Commission in Abuja for denying the military chief and other top officers visas to attend the games.
Providing an insight into what transpired during the preparation for the programme, Musa said they followed all the due process and that every concerned government official was aware.
“On the issue of the denial of the visa, it must be tackled. Nigeria is good enough for all of us. We had an agreement, we were invited, the programme was sent to us, we followed our requirements, we followed the process.”
“Everybody knows members of the Armed Forces, we will never take short cut. The Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of State, the NSA, everybody was aware about this journey, and we followed the process.
“But for reasons best known to them, most of the members of the team were denied visas. You remember, the team captain did not go. The medical doctor was not there. The physiotherapist did not go. All those that were important for the team were not given visas. And the question is why?
“Well, I’m happy that the federal government is also looking at those aspects. I think it’s important for people to understand that we deserve respect as Nigerians all over the world. We must never accommodate disrespect from anybody because we are a good country.
“For our indigenous guests who participated, you have made Nigeria proud. Your courage and determination have left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who have witnessed your journey. You are true embodiment of the Indigenous spirit, unconquered, unbroken, and unstoppable.”
