The SSS, also called DSS, announced the appointment of P.N. Afunanya in a statement sent to journalists on Thursday.
The DSS claimed Mr Afunanya replaces Tony Opuiyo, the fictional name the agency has been using to circulate its press statements on social media.
We reported how the DSS, after the appointment of Lawal Daura as Director General, refused to appoint a spokesperson. The former spokesperson, removed and dismissed by Mr Daura’s leadership was Marilyn Ogar.
Mr Daura was removed from office last week by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo for authorising a siege on the National Assembly by DSS operatives. He was replaced by Matthew Seiyefa who is heads the agency in acting capacity.
Read the DSS statement announcing the new spokesperson below.
PRESS RELEASE
The Department of State Services (DSS) announces the appointment of Mr. PN. AFUNANYA as its Spokesman/Public Relations Officer. He replaces Mr. Tony Opuiyo.
2. Afunanya obtained the following degrees:
BA. English (1997) , Abia State University, Uturu;
MA. English (2009), University of Uyo; and
MA. Peace and Strategic Studies (2011), University of Ilorin.
He is currently pursuing a PhD in Security and Strategic Studies at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
3. He 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, The Triple S.
4. The new Spokesman is a member of:
Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NiCarb);
Nigerian Red Cross (NRC);
Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM);
Nigerian Institute for Industrial Security (NIIS);
Society for Peace Scholars and Practice (SPSP);
American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS); and
He is a fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration (ICA).
5. His hobbies include: travelling, meeting people, reading, walking and photography.
Public Relations Department,
Department of State Services,
National Headquarters,
Abuja.
16th August, 2018
