Marilyn Ogar, the spokesperson of the Department of State Security has been demoted by the newly appointed director general, Lawal Musa Daura.
She was not the only officer demoted though. All other officers promoted in a controversial promotion exercise which took place towards the end of the Goodluck Jonathan administration, also saw their promotions reversed.
The promotion reversal was contained in a circular dated July 3, 2015 and signed by Toma Minti on behalf of the director-general.
“In view of the observed lapses in the promotion exercise release from 31st March, 2015 to date, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has directed it’s suspension forthwith,” the circular read.
According to the circular, the personnel affected include those promoted, converted and upgraded within the period under review. They were consequently directed to revert to their former ranks with immediate effect.
Those who benefited from the exercise nationwide were said to have been allegedly promoted by the last administration for their loyalty.
A high number of those who were promoted in that exercise were officials attached to the presidential villa.
Marilyn Ogar was condemned during her time as spokesman for the frequency with which she made statements considered by many as overtly partisan for an agency which is supposed to maintain a nonpartisan posture.
