President Bola Tinubu has justified his appointment of Dr Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
Tinubu said the appointment was a testament to his belief in recognising talent, even in those who may have once been critics.
The President disclosed this on Saturday night at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Presidential Villa to commemorate his 73rd birthday.
Tinubu confirmed that nominating Tijani as a minister was a difficult decision, given the reservations of his close associates.
“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, the minister shared his personal experience of being appointed by President Tinubu despite his past activism and criticism of 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 the President, alongside 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.
