Nasir Ja’oji, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Bola Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership, has appointed two “directors-general” and five media aides to work in his office.

According to an appointment document seen by TheCable, Ja’oji named Ibrahim Farouk as Director-General on Political Matters and Ahmad Saleh as Director-General on Media and Digital Communication.

He also appointed five other aides: Muhammad Sabiu Adam (Special Assistant, Media); Abbas Uba (Technical Assistant, Media); Mustapha Yusuf Waziri (Media Aide I); Usman Shuaibu (Media Aide II); and Safiyanu Mohammed Yunusa (Media Aide III).

Ja’oji said the appointments were based on “integrity, an excellent record of performance, and hard work.”

However, the creation of “director-general” positions under the office of an SSA has drawn criticism, as DGs typically hold higher authority than SSAs within government structures.

Ja’oji, who replaced Rinsola Abiola as Tinubu’s SSA on citizenship and leadership in August after she was promoted to head the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), has made a series of appointments since assuming office. He previously served as special adviser on mobilisation to former Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

The latest development has triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with many questioning the propriety of the move.

“SSA to President is also appointing someone as Director Generals under his own office. Btw SSA and DG, which one is even superior? SSA is even using the coat of arms on his official letterhead. Jokes apart, Oga COS and SGF need to caution some appointees of FGN,” tweeted commentator @DejiAdesogan.

Another user, @IU_Wakilii, wrote:

“What’s with President Tinubu’s appointments? The SSA to the President has a Coat of Arms on his office letterhead and is even appointing a Director General for Political Matters, a whole DG! This SSA clearly thinks he’s the President of Nigeria!” (BusinessDay)