WHY TIJANI'S APPOINTMENT WAS APPROVED DESPITE INSULTING SENATORS

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has explained why the Senate approved Dr. Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy despite his past criticism of lawmakers, including calling them “morons.”

Speaking at a special Iftar at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s 73rd birthday, Akpabio acknowledged that Tijani’s screening was challenging due to this remark. However, senators ultimately endorsed him out of confidence in Tinubu’s decision.

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.

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 noted that what ultimately swayed the lawmakers 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,” he stated.

President Tinubu revealed that his decision to appoint Bosun Tijani as a minister faced strong opposition from close associates due to Tijani’s past critical remarks on social media.

However, Tinubu stood by his choice, emphasizing Tijani’s talent and potential to make a significant contribution to his administration.

“Because he criticises me does not mean he has nothing to offer,” Tinubu revealed on Saturday night at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, as he turned 73.

The President emphasised that the minister’s past criticisms were insufficient reason to discount his ability, suggesting instead that his once-vocal dissatisfaction could fuel a deeper commitment to public service.

“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 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,’” President Tinubu stated.

Tijani, in his remarks, described how he was surprised by the President’s decision to give him “the opportunity to represent your country and contribute to making it a better place,” despite knowing the minister’s past activism and criticisms.

“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, adding that during a prior meeting, some individuals questioned his record, but the President interjected with a firm, “Shut it.”

WHY TIJANI’S APPOINTMENT WAS APPROVED DESPITE INSULTING SENATORS – AKPABIO