President Goodluck Jonathan has extended the tenure of office of the Director-General (DG) of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Ita Ekpenyong. A highly-placed security source said yesterday. The secret services’ DG was set to enjoy another four years in office.The development was confirmed by the Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Marilyn Ogar, in an electronic mail yesterday.
When asked to corroborate the report Ogar simply replied: “Yes, please.” However it was gathered that Ekpenyong’s tenure was extended, “owing to the competence and professionalism he has displayed since his appointment.” Ekpenyong was appointed DG of State Security Service (as it then was) in September 2010.
He succeeded Mr. Afakriya Gadzama. Before his first appointment, the secret services’ helmsman had served variously as State Director in Lagos and Anambra states among other positions. Ekpenyong obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History (1982) from the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and Master’s Degree (MA) in Philosophy from the same university.