Senate President Godswill Akpabio has explained why the Senate confirmed Dr. Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy despite his past controversial remarks, including calling Nigerian lawmakers “morons.”
Speaking on Saturday night at a special Iftar held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, in honor of President Bola Tinubu’s 73rd birthday, Akpabio recounted that Tijani’s Senate screening was challenging due to his past comments. However, lawmakers ultimately deferred to President Tinubu’s judgment.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, shared details of the event in a statement on Sunday titled ‘President Tinubu: Why I Appointed Bosun Tijani as Minister Despite Past Criticism.’
According to the statement, Tijani’s screening was tense when a senator cited an instance where Tijani allegedly labeled all lawmakers as “morons.”
Akpabio narrated, “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 described all Nigerian senators as ‘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.’ So I asked him, ‘And you have the audacity to stand before us and expect us to confirm you?’”
The Senate President emphasized that what ultimately influenced their decision was their trust in President 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.
“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,” Akpabio stated.
Earlier, President Tinubu disclosed that his decision to appoint Tijani faced strong resistance from close associates who opposed the choice due to Tijani’s past critical statements on social media.
Despite these objections, Tinubu stood by his decision, recognizing Tijani’s talent and potential contributions to his administration.
“Because he criticizes me does not mean he has nothing to offer,” Tinubu said at the Iftar event.
The President stressed that past criticisms should not overshadow a person’s ability, suggesting that Tijani’s former dissatisfaction could instead drive him to serve better.
“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 criticizes me and pours abuse 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,’” Tinubu stated.
In his remarks, Tijani expressed surprise at the President’s decision to entrust him with a ministerial role despite his history of activism and criticism.
“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.
He added that during a prior meeting, some individuals raised concerns about his past, but the President interjected firmly, saying, “Shut it.”
Tijani acknowledged the rare opportunity given to him, stating, “The opportunity to represent your country and contribute to making it a better place is one I never take for granted.”
