At a special Iftar held in his honor at the Presidential Villa to commemorate his 73rd birthday, President Bola Tinubu shared the rationale behind his decision to appoint Dr. Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. Despite Tijani’s past criticism of the President and the National Assembly, the President emphasized that the appointment reflected his belief in recognizing talent, even in those who had once been critics.
Tijani, who had never met President Tinubu before his appointment, recalled the President’s words after his confirmation: “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 expected a reprimand because of his previous activism, but instead, the President showed magnanimity. Tijani further shared how some brought up his past criticisms, but President Tinubu dismissed their concerns, saying, “Shut it.”
Responding to Tijani’s remarks, President Tinubu explained that nominating him had been a tough decision, especially with reservations from his close associates who were concerned about Tijani’s previous comments on social media. “When I picked him, it was tough. My very close confidantes said, ‘No, never.’ But I said, ‘Yes, he is talented. Just because he criticizes me and pours abuses on the parliament does not mean he has nothing to offer,'” Tinubu revealed. He also noted that Tijani’s past frustration might have driven him to contribute more to governance, something the President was proud of today.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised President Tinubu’s ability to forgive critics, recalling the tense screening session before Tijani’s confirmation. “When he came to the Senate, some senators objected, quoting his description of Nigerian senators as ‘morons.’ I had to stop proceedings and ask him, ‘Did you write this?’ He admitted, ‘Yes, because that was how I felt then,'” Akpabio recounted. Despite this, the Senate eventually confirmed Tijani, trusting in President Tinubu’s judgment.
“I 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 concluded.