Sule Lamido, the former Governor of Jigawa State and ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, has sharply criticized National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu for his recent comments regarding Canada’s refusal to grant visas to Nigerian military personnel.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook account, Lamido expressed disapproval of Ribadu’s public outburst, suggesting that the matter should have been addressed more discreetly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Lamido argued that the NSA’s remarks had unnecessarily tarnished Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage.
“The NSA and his principal must realize that they represent and project our collective image as a sovereign nation,” Lamido stated.
The former governor highlighted the issue as indicative of a failure in foreign policy management, pointing to previous diplomatic challenges in ECOWAS and now with Canada. He emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should have taken the lead in resolving the situation, including calling in the Canadian High Commissioner if necessary.
“The NSA should not and must not appropriate the duties of the Minister of Foreign Affairs,” Lamido stressed.
The controversy erupted after Ribadu, speaking at an event in Abuja, criticized Canada for denying visas to top Nigerian military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa. The CDS, who had been invited to a veterans’ event in Canada, expressed disappointment that half of his delegation was refused entry.
In his response, Ribadu condemned Canada’s actions, stating, “They can go to hell,” while asserting that Nigeria remains a strong and independent nation. Lamido, however, cautioned against such diplomatic errors, urging Nigerian officials to adopt a more professional approach in handling international relations.
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