Afunanya removed as DSS Spokesman

The Department of State Services (DSS) has redeployed Peter Afunanya, its Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications.

Afunanya, who revealed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, did not disclose his next duty post, saying the redeployment was a normal routine exercise in the service to the nation.

Daily Trust reports that Afunanya, who had been in the media section of the secret police for more than 10 years, came on board at a time the agency was suffering from image credibility about six years ago.

The agency was without a spokesperson for some years after Marilyn Ogar was compulsorily retired from service in 2015.

Ogar’s forceful retirement came following investigations into allegations of bribery and professional misconduct against her.

She was alleged to have collected several trucks of DPK (Dual Purpose Kerosene) as bribe, being  partisan, among other breaches of service codes, but she denied all the allegations while maintaining innocence.

Speaking after announcing his redeployment, Afunanya expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the country as the spokesman of the covert security outfit.

He expressed his commitment to the Service and the country as he pledged to always do his best in whatever capacity he is chosen to serve.

He said he would continue to carry out his duty in service to the country with “love, loyalty, honour, and glory.”

The newly appointed Director-General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, assumed office last Thursday, with a pledge to refocus the Service towards covertness and study silence.

Ajayi, who until his appointment was Kogi State director, also pledged commitment to surmounting challenges confronting Nigeria’s economic, political and security environments.