Many Nigerians and civil society organisations have described DSS’ lack of transparency and accountability as disturbing.
Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS) has established a Public Relations and Strategic Communication department to enhance its engagement with citizens.
This was announced in a press statement issued by the DSS dated September 27, 2023. It identified Peter Nnochirionye Afunanya as the Pioneer Director of the newly created department.
Many Nigerians and civil society organisations have described DSS’ lack of transparency and accountability as disturbing.
The statement reads: “The Department of State Services (DSS), as part of efforts in sustaining its engagement with citizens and the public at large as well as deepening democratic governance, transparency and accountability, has established a new Directorate of Public Relations and Strategic Communications (DPRSC).
“Consequently, it has appointed Peter Nnochirionye Afunanya, Ph.D, fsi, the erstwhile Public Relations Officer, to head the Directorate as the supervising Director and also be in charge of the Service’s public communications. The appointment took effect from 26th September, 2023.
“The Service has commended its Director General, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi CFR, fwc, for the initiative to undertake the expansion and particularly appointing Afunanya to pilot the Directorate.”
According to the statement, Afunanya has vast and rich experience in intelligence analysis and other security-related skills.
He has a PhD in Security and Strategic Studies which he bagged in 2019 from the Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Afunanya also has a master's degree in Peace and Strategic Studies from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State and a Master of Arts degree in English Language from the University of Uyo in 2009, the statement said.
Afunanya is the current spokesman for the DSS.