The newly appointed Director General Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, has redeployed the Director, Department of Director, PR and Strategic Communications, Dr. Peter Afunanya, to a new department without appointing a replacement, fueling speculation the service has scrapped the public relations department.
Blueprint reports that the deployment may not be unconnected with Ajayi’s pledge to refocus the Service towards covertness and likelihood of studied silence over certain matters.
The new service boss also pledged to work with relevant stakeholders to overcome the challenges confronting the country’s security environments.
Addressing journalists, Wednesday at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, the former spokesperson did not disclose where he was deployed to, but noted that the transition process in the service was seamless, convivial, peaceful and decorous.
According to Afunanya, the DGSS in a bid to move the service forward was already initiating programmes and activities that would dwell on discipline and cooperation outside the service including with the media.
He, however, noted that the significance of the DSS returning to covertness was that the service was not likely to be in public space like before.
This, the former spokesperson said doesn’t mean the service would be shutting out the media rather interface with the media would be based on DSS mandate and service processes.
“This shouldn’t be misunderstood or misconstrued. The service will respond when there is the need to. It won’t be completely different from what happens before but the DSS will be more deliberate with the way it interfaces with the media and the public,” Afunanya assured.
He said the service could be reached through the following contact: 09153391310 and 09088373515, as well as through email: [email protected] and website: dss.gov.ng.
While appreciating the media for the cooperation he enjoyed in the last 10 years as DSS spokesperson, he the urged the media to remain focused and always priorities security ans interest of the country.
“I have served diligently for 10 years in different capacities in this department. I bow out with a sense of dedication. I bow out with a sense of commitment. I remain loyal to the DSS, I remain loyal to the DGSS and I remain loyal to Nigeria,” Afunanya declared.
The immediate past spokesperson was appointed as public relations officer on August 16, 2018, to replace Tony Opuiyo.
He was subsequently appointed the director of the newly created Directorate of Public Relations and Commication on September 27, 2023.
Afunanya holds a Bachelors and Masters degrees in English Language from the Abia State University and University of Uyo; as well as a Masters degree in Peace and Strategic Studies from the University of Ilorin.
He bagged a PhD in Security and Strategic Studies at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and has attended several courses within and outside Nigeria namely: Innovation and Strategy at Harvard University, Boston, USA; Security Management and Coordination, London and Investigative Journalism at City University, London.
“Other courses he has attended are on Leadership, Arbitration, Conflict Management/Resolution, Negotiation and Public Communication among others. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the DSS’ in-house Magazine.”
He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, Nigerian Red Cross, Nigerian Institute of Management among others.
His hobbies include: travelling, meeting people, reading, walking and photography.