Adeola Ajayi, the director-general (DG) of the Department of State Services (DSS), says Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff (CDS), was denied a Canadian visa because he underestimated him. He joked.
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 (AANISS) 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 said.
“We were invited with our team. Half has gone and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing.”
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 appointments, I should be on my way out by April,” Ajayi said.
“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 get your Canadian visa.
“We wanted you to be here, so you couldn’t have been in Vancouver.”
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.
