President Bola Tinubu has revealed the reasoning behind his “controversial decision” to appoint Dr. Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

This move, he said drew widespread debate due to Tijani’s history of public criticism of him and the National Assembly.

Speaking at a special Iftar held on Saturday night at the Presidential Villa to mark his 73rd birthday, Tinubu stated that his choice of Tijani underscored his belief in recognising talent, even among critics, as a means to drive national development.

“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 criticises me and pours abuses on the parliament, it 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.

The event, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, and Professor Shaffideen Amuwo, also featured Tijani delivering a goodwill message where he recounted his shock at the President’s decision.

“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.’

“I was expecting a proper scolding because of my records, but the magnanimity of the President is one that I experienced for the very first time in my life,” Tijani said.

In a statement released by the State House on Sunday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga,
highlighted the significance of Tijani’s appointment, which defied calls for rejection from critics, including lawmakers during his Senate confirmation hearing.

Also, Senate President Godswill Akpabio recalled the contentious confirmation process.

Akpabio said, “When he came to the Senate for screening, senators said, ‘No, no, we can’t have him.’

“One senator quoted from the internet where he described all Nigerian senators as ‘morons.’ I had to stop proceedings and ask Bosun, ‘Did you write this?’ And he admitted, ‘Sir, I did because that was how I felt then.’

“So I asked him, ‘And you have the audacity to stand before us and expect us to confirm you?'”

Akpabio revealed that the Senate eventually approved Tijani’s nomination out of trust in Tinubu’s judgment.

“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. Today, I am happy to say that he is one of the best-performing ministers in the cabinet,” he remarked.



https://punchng.com/tinubu-defends-ex-critic-bosun-tijanis-ministerial-appointment-says-talent-outweighs-criticism/