President Bola Tinubu defended his appointment of Dr. Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, despite Tijani’s past criticisms of him.
Tinubu stated that leadership is about recognizing talent and expertise, even from those who were once opponents. He acknowledged Tijani’s contributions to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, particularly his role in fostering innovation, startups, and digital transformation.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday during an Iftar celebration at the Presidential Villa,President Bola Tinubu disclosed: “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.
Akpabio praised the President’s ability to forgive his critics, recalling the intense debate that preceded Tijjani’s confirmation as a minister.
“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?” said Akpabio.
via: Information Nigeria
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