Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has called for an increase in visa bans on Nigerian public officials by foreign governments, arguing that such restrictions are the most effective form of sanction.
Effiong made this statement on Friday while expressing his support for the reported decision of the Canadian embassy to deny visas to Nigeriaâs Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers. In a message shared on social media, he emphasized that these restrictions serve as an important tool to hold Nigerian officials accountable, especially those involved in corruption and human rights violations.
âNothing pains them more than being denied access to countries where proper governance exists,â Effiong remarked. He criticized Nigerian officials for seeking the benefits of good governance abroad while failing to uphold similar standards at home. Effiong further urged Western and European nations to adopt similar measures against Nigerian public officials as a means of discouraging poor leadership.
His remarks come amid a growing debate over Canada’s decision to refuse visas to the Chief of Defence Staff and other military officers invited to an event honoring war veterans in Canada. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, criticized the move after General Musa revealed during a security lecture in Abuja on Thursday that only half of the invited delegation was granted visas.
âYesterday, I was supposed to be in Canada for an event recognizing our veterans, those injured in battle.
âWe were invited as a team, but half of us were denied visas. Itâs deeply disappointing,â Musa stated.
Meanwhile, the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has maintained its stance on privacy regarding visa matters.
âThe High Commission of Canada in Nigeria is aware of media reports concerning planned travel to Canada by senior officials.
âHowever, due to privacy laws, we are unable to comment on the visa applications of specific individuals,â the Commission noted in a statement seen by Chronicles Reporters.
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