Afunanya bows out as DSS spokesperson after six years on the job

The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly redeployed Peter Afunanya, director of public relations and strategic communications of the agency.

Afunanya announced his departure from the role during a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as spokesperson of the secret police. He was however mum on his next assignment or office.

“Beginnings also end. It’s goodbye. It’s good night and yet a good morning. I remain a Nigerian with love, loyalty, honour and glory. So help me God,” he said.

Afunanya’s departure comes days after President Bola Tinubu appointed Adeola Ajayi as the new director-general of the DSS.

Ajayi replaced Yusuf Bichi who was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.

A DSS OPERATIVE SINCE 1999

On August 16, 2018, Afunanya was appointed DSS spokesperson by Mathew Seyeifa, then acting director-general of the secret police.

Afunanya’s appointment was announced one week after Seyeifa promised to name a spokesperson for the agency.

The DSS had no spokesperson during the reign of Lawal Daura, with one Tony Opuiyo issuing statements on behalf of the secret police.

Journalists could not get across to Opuiyo for information, amid insinuations that Opuiyo was a pseudonym.

Before Afunanya occupied the position, Marilyn Ogar was the last known spokesperson of the DSS.

Ogar was handed compulsory retirement in 2015 and the DSS went three years without a spokesperson.

Afunanya joined the DSS in 1999.