The Director General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi, was in his element as he deployed humour in a public lecture for laughter, which has some therapeutic effects.
Ajayi said that the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, was denied a Canadian visa because he underrated him.
Ajayi was reacting to comments made by the CDS regarding his visa application to the Canadian High Commission, which was unsuccessful.
The CDS spoke at the maiden annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja.
Musa had narrated how he and other top military officers were supposed to be in Canada for an official assignment but were denied visas.
“Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada. There’s an event to honour our veterans, those that were injured during battles, and we were meant to be there,” Musa had said.
“We were invited with our team. Half has gone and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing,” lamented.
The CDS added that the incident was a clear reminder that Nigeria must “stand on its own” and should no longer be taken for granted.
Speaking at the same event, the DSS boss jokingly told Musa that the secret police had secretly blocked his Canadian visa application.
“As much as I like General Musa, he underrated me. I have spent 35 years in this job, but for political appointment, I should be on my way out by April.
“And all I have learnt is covertness, how to do things covertly. General Musa, you made a mistake with me.
“When we invited you for this programme to be the chairman, you now decided to go and apply for a Canadian visa.
“So, we covertly made sure we denied you. So, my dear General, next time when you hear of DSS, and under a leadership like mine, who has swag in doing the job, don’t underrate us; when you leave here, you can see me, you will get your Canadian visa.
“We wanted you to be here, so you couldn’t have been in Vancouver,” Ajayi said.
Ajayi, however, praised Musa for his “exceptional team player qualities,” adding that the CDS amazed him by demonstrating commitment to duty and leadership.
He also shared a story about former United States President, George Bush, highlighting the importance of appreciating security personnel in uniform for their sacrifices.
