President Bola Tinubu has explained his decision to appoint Dr. Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy despite his past controversial remarks about Nigerian lawmakers.
Speaking at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Saturday, Tinubu revealed that his choice faced strong opposition from close associates who objected to Tijani’s past criticisms on social media.
He said, “Because he criticises me does not mean he has nothing to offer,” Tinubu said. “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.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who was also at the event, recounted how Tijani’s ministerial screening in the Senate became contentious after a senator quoted his past remarks, where he reportedly called lawmakers “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,’” Akpabio recalled. “So I asked him, ‘And you have the audacity to stand before us and expect us to confirm you?’”
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Despite the controversy, Akpabio said the lawmakers eventually endorsed Tijani, trusting 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,” he said.
“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,” he stated.
Tijani, in his remarks, admitted he had expected a harsh reaction from Tinubu but was instead given an opportunity to serve.
“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.
