Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has addressed his decision to appoint Dr. Bosun Tijani as the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, despite having faced past criticism from Tijani. President Tinubu emphasized that this move showcases his commitment to recognizing talent regardless of past adversities. He expressed these sentiments during a special Iftar at the Presidential Villa, held in celebration of his 73rd birthday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Tijani, who was present at the event, shared his perspective on being appointed despite his history of activism and criticism towards President Tinubu and the National Assembly. In his remarks, Tijani recounted his surprise at being chosen and the President’s decision to focus on his capabilities rather than his past criticisms. The Minister recalled a meeting where others highlighted his critical record, only for President Tinubu to dismiss their concerns, signaling his willingness to overlook past grievances in favor of potential contributions.
President Tinubu acknowledged that selecting Tijani was a challenging decision, particularly due to the reservations voiced by his close confidantes who had previously read Tijani’s critical comments on social media. However, the President asserted that talent and the potential for positive contributions should not be overshadowed by past criticisms. He expressed confidence in Tijani’s abilities and noted that his previous frustrations might serve as motivation for impactful governance, highlighting his pride in Tijani’s current performance.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also praised President Tinubu’s capacity to forgive critics, recounting the contentious Senate debate that preceded Tijani’s confirmation. Akpabio described the initial resistance from senators, who cited Tijani’s past derogatory remarks about them. Despite this, Akpabio emphasized their trust in President Tinubu’s judgment, which ultimately led to Tijani’s confirmation. He commended Tijani’s subsequent performance, labeling him as one of the best-performing ministers in the cabinet.