Leadership: Why I appointed Bosun Tijani as Minister despite past criticisms –Tinubu

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu relates how he appointed Dr. Bosun Tijani as Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, despite his past scathing criticisms of him, and top officials of the Nigerian Government at the time

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said his decision to appoint Dr. Bosun Tijani as the Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), despite his past scathing criticisms of him, and top officials of the Nigerian Government then, was a testament to his belief in recognising talents, even in those who may have once been critics.

Tinubu disclosed this night Saturday, March 29, 2025, at a special Iftar held in his honour to commemorate his 73rd Birthday, in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, FCT.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who noted this in a statement, said Dr. Tijani also was among several dignitaries, who delivered goodwill messages to President Tinubu, alongside Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, and Prof. Shaffideen Adeniyi Amuwo, a childhood friend of the President.

In his remarks at the event, the FMCIDE Minister shared his personal experience of being appointed by President Tinubu despite his past activism and criticism of the President and the National Assembly (NASS).

Tijani recalled: “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.”

He equally stated: “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 records again, and told Mr. President, ‘He said this, he did this. But the President said, ‘Shut it’.”

I’m very proud of Tijani as Minister for FMCIDE, says President

Responding to the Minister’s remarks, President Tinubu also confirmed that nominating Tijani as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was a difficult decision, given the reservations of his close associates.

The Nigerian leader further said: “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 (NASS), it does not mean he has nothing to offer.”

The President as well remarked at the time: “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.”

Akpabio on ‘intense debate’ in Senate before Tijani’s confirmation as Minister

Speaking at the occasion, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the President Tinubu’s ability to forgive his critics, recalling the intense debate that preceded Tijani’s confirmation as a Minister in the 10th Senate.

The statement noted Senator 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 (Tijani) described all Nigerian Senators as ‘morons.’ ”

The Senate President also stated: “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 further recalled that what ultimately, swayed the Federal lawmakers was their trust in President Tinubu’s judgment.

He averred: “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.”

The Senate President 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,” the statement added.