- President Tinubu said he appointed Dr. Bosun Tijani despite past criticisms, emphasizing his belief in recognizing talent over politics
- The minister shared that he expected a rebuke for his past activism but was instead given an opportunity to serve and contribute to governance
- The Senate initially opposed Tijanis nomination due to his past remarks but confirmed him based on Tinubus confidence in his abilities
Tinubu Finally Opens Up On Why He Appointed Bosun Tijani Despite Paat CriticismsSource: TwitterTijanis reflection on his appointment”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,'” Tijani said.”I remember that in that meeting, some people brought out my record again and told Mr. President, ‘He said this, he did that.’ But the President said, ‘Shut it.’ That was the first time I experienced such an act of grace in my life,” he added.Tinubu explains why he appointed Tijani”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.’ But I said, ‘Yes, he is talented. Just because he criticizes me and pours abuses on the parliament 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.Senate President Akpabio recalls controversial screening”When he came to the Senate for screening, senators said, ‘No, no, we can’t have him.’ One senator even quoted from the internet where he described all Nigerian senators as ‘morons,'” Akpabio recalled.Tinubu Finally Opens Up On Why He Appointed Bosun Tijani Despite Paat CriticismsSource: Twitter”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?'””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. Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu hosts Wike, FCT delegation
