Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has strongly criticized Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers following their visa denial by the Canadian Embassy.
Odinkalu condemned the outrage expressed by the officers over their inability to attend the Invictus Winter Games, questioning the rationale behind sending a delegation of over 70 military personnel—led by the CDS—while Nigeria battles widespread insecurity.
He further mocked the decision, asking when Nigeria, a tropical West African country, began observing winter or participating in winter sports. Additionally, he raised concerns over why the military delegation applied for visas without involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a series of posts on his X page, Odinkalu expressed his disappointment, stating:
Instead of acknowledging a terrible @OwnGoal & apologising, we have a disgraceful line-up of senior cabinet members, led by @NuhuRibadu & including freelancing ministers, making the govt look more stupid. We may be lawless but other countries are not obliged to follow us in that
— Chidi Odinkalu, CGoF (@ChidiOdinkalu) February 16, 2025
“Senior officials of @NigeriaGov who should be ashamed of themselves are frothing that Canada denied visas to the #CDS. How does anyone justify a delegation of over 70 officers led by the CDS to #InvictusWinterGames? When did #Nigeria start doing winter?!”
“Instead of admitting a serious blunder and apologizing, we have a disgraceful lineup of senior cabinet members, led by @NuhuRibadu and other freelancing ministers, making the government look more ridiculous.”
Odinkalu also argued that rather than attacking Canada’s High Commission, Nigeria should offer an apology and launch an investigation into the embarrassing situation.
The post “Why Is Nigeria Sending 70+ Military Officers To A Winter Event?” – Odinkalu Slams CDS Over Canada Visa Denial For Invictus Games appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.