President Bola Tinubu has defended his decision to appoint Dr. Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
He stated that the appointment reflects his commitment to recognizing talent, even among those who may have previously been critical of him.
The President made this statement on Saturday night during a special Iftar held in his honor at the Presidential Villa to celebrate his 73rd birthday.
Tinubu acknowledged that Tijani’s nomination was a challenging decision, particularly given the reservations expressed by his close associates.
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“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,” the President stated.
In his remarks, Minister Tijani shared his personal experience of being appointed by President Tinubu, despite his previous activism and criticism of both the President and the National Assembly.
“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.
“I remember that in that meeting, some people brought out my record again and told Mr President, ‘He said this, he did this. But the President said, ‘Shut it’.”
Tijani was among several dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages to President Tinubu, including 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 Adeniyi Amuwo, a childhood friend of the President.
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