March 30, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has explained his decision to appoint Dr. Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy despite the latter’s history of criticism, emphasizing that talent should not be overshadowed by past remarks.
Speaking at a special Iftar at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night to mark his 73rd birthday, Tinubu said his nomination of Tijani was a deliberate choice rooted in merit and a belief in the transformative power of talent.
The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and Prof. Shaffideen Adeniyi Amuwo, a longtime associate of the President.
Reflecting on his appointment, Tijani admitted that he never expected to be considered for a ministerial role given his history of activism and strong views against the government.
“Before my appointment, I had never met Mr. President. But after my confirmation, he told me, ‘I have looked at your records and activism, and I have seen there is something in you. I am giving you the opportunity to represent your country and contribute to making it a better place,’” Tijani recounted.
He revealed that some individuals attempted to dissuade the President by highlighting his past criticisms, but Tinubu dismissed their objections.
“In that meeting, some people brought out my record again and told Mr. President, ‘He said this, he did this.’ But the President simply said, ‘Shut it,’” Tijani recalled.
Tinubu, in his response, acknowledged that his decision to nominate Tijani was met with resistance from close allies.
“When I picked him, it was tough. My very close confidantes, who had read his comments on social media, came to me and said, ‘No, never.’ I said, ‘Yes, he is talented. Because he criticizes me and pours abuses on the parliament does not mean he has nothing to offer.
“Maybe his frustration at that time will drive him to contribute more to governance. And today, he is doing that, and I am very proud of him,” Tinubu stated.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also weighed in, recalling the heated debate that surrounded Tijani’s confirmation hearing.
“When he came to the Senate for screening, senators said, ‘No, no, we can’t have him.’ One senator even quoted from the internet where he described all Nigerian senators as ‘morons.'”
Akpabio said he confronted Tijani about the statement, asking, “Did you write this?” to which the minister admitted, “Sir, I did because that was how I felt then.”
He noted that it was Tinubu’s reputation for astute judgment that ultimately convinced the Senate to confirm Tijani.
“Mr. President, we confirmed him because we knew you must have seen something special in him. You are never wrong when it comes to your judgment of people. I went into an executive session and told my colleagues, ‘Let us give this young man an opportunity and see what happens.’ And today, I am happy to say that he is one of the best-performing ministers in the cabinet,” Akpabio declared.
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