The Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the Department of State Services (DSS), Dr. Peter Afunanya, has refuted claims that the Director General, Yusuf Bichi, embezzled a subsidy grant intended for staff members.
Afunanya clarified that no such grant had been earmarked for the service, assuring that once allocated, the funds would be appropriately disbursed to the staff.
In response to allegations made by a user identified as @jacksonpbn, accusing Bichi of corruption and other misdeeds, Afunanya issued a statement to journalists on Saturday. He categorically dismissed the accusations, including the claim of a “goodbye allowance” purportedly granted by the DG to himself, asserting that such an allowance does not exist.
The statement emphasized, “The Service hereby states that the allegations are entirely false. It wishes to clarify that neither the DG nor anyone acting on his directive has looted staff subsidy grant. No such grant has been made available to the Service and once that is allocated, staff will, as usual, receive what is due them.”
Afunanya also addressed the alleged “goodbye allowance,” dismissing it as a product of imagination by the accuser and his sponsors. He defended Bichi’s reputation, highlighting the DG’s commitment to the welfare of both active and retired personnel, characterizing him as accountable, transparent, and incorruptible.
Responding to the suggestion that the DG might receive a severance package at the end of his tenure, Afunanya questioned the ethical implications, noting that it would adhere to established public service rules. He pointed out that Bichi, appointed as DGSS in 2018 after being recalled from retirement, has demonstrated resilience, accountability, and transparency in managing the affairs of the Service.
Calling on citizens to dismiss the allegations, Afunanya stated that the DG would pursue legal action to seek redress. He urged the public to disregard the misinformation spread by the accuser, describing them as a “known fake news merchant” with a history of creating division and inciting violence through his platforms. Afunanya concluded by stating, “Meanwhile, the DGSS will take appropriate legal steps to seek redress
