President Tinubu's Bold Move: Appointing A Former Critic As Digital Minister

Why President Tinubu Chose Bosun Tijani for the Cabinet

Let me tell you something interesting. President Bola Tinubu recently made a bold move by appointing Bosun Tijani as the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. Now, here's the twist: Bosun Tijani wasn’t exactly known for being a fan of the President or the National Assembly. In fact, he was a vocal critic. But President Tinubu didn’t let that stop him. He saw potential in Tijani and decided to give him a chance. This decision reflects the President's belief in recognizing talent, even in those who have been outspoken critics.

A Special Iftar Dinner and a Meaningful Speech

The President shared this story during a special Iftar dinner held in his honor at the Presidential Villa. It was a night to celebrate his 73rd birthday, and the atmosphere was filled with warmth and reflection. In a heartfelt moment, Tijani himself took the stage to talk about his appointment. He opened up about his journey and how this decision changed his life. Now, this wasn’t just any appointment. Before being chosen, Tijani had never even met President Tinubu. But after being confirmed, the President told him something that left a lasting impression: “I’ve looked at your records and activism, and I see something in you. I’m giving you the opportunity to represent your country and contribute to making it a better place.”

A Lesson in Forgiveness and Second Chances

Tijani went on to share how he expected a scolding from the President because of his past. Instead, he was met with grace and understanding. He said, “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.’” It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of forgiveness and the importance of giving people a second chance.

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President Tinubu’s Courageous Decision

President Tinubu admitted that choosing Tijani wasn’t an easy decision. His close confidants were skeptical, pointing out Tijani’s harsh comments on social media. But the President stood firm. He explained, “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. Just because he criticizes me and pours abuses on the parliament, it doesn’t 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.’”

Senate President Akpabio’s Perspective

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also chimed in, praising President Tinubu’s ability to forgive his critics. He recalled the intense debate that surrounded Tijani’s confirmation. He 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 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?’”

A Success Story in the Making

Despite the initial resistance, Akpabio highlighted that Tijani’s eventual confirmation was based on trust in President Tinubu’s judgment. He stated, “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.’”

This story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the people we least expect can rise to the occasion and make a real difference. It’s all about recognizing potential, offering opportunities, and believing in the power of transformation.