Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Olatunbosun Tijani, has said his past criticisms of political leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, were not personal but were driven by his desire for a better Nigeria.
Speaking on Monday at the inauguration of a solar-powered community ICT center in Abeokuta, Tijani described Tinubu as a courageous leader who is determined to address Nigeria’s challenges.
The minister explained that his decision to serve in Tinubu’s administration was based on his belief in the President’s leadership.
“It was not about how easy the decision was; it was about intention because leadership is about intentions,” Tijani said.
“When you come close to President Bola Tinubu, you will realize that Nigeria is fortunate to have someone like him. Let’s leave politics aside and look at his development plans. He is the first president who has made it easier for young Nigerians to access education through the student loan scheme.”
“He also removed the fuel subsidy, a long-standing burden, and redirected those funds toward national development. He has significantly reduced the country’s debt servicing, freeing up money for critical projects,” he added.
Tijani noted that his previous criticisms of the government were not because he was a politician but because he wanted a better society. He said he now believes Tinubu is the right leader to work with to achieve that goal.
His comments came after Senate President Godswill Akpabio recalled how Tijani’s ministerial nomination faced strong opposition due to his past remarks about the government.
Akpabio, speaking at a special Iftar event marking Tinubu’s 73rd birthday at the Presidential Villa, stated that the minister had previously described lawmakers as “morons,” leading to controversy during his Senate screening.
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“Mr. President, we confirmed him because we knew you must have seen something special in him. You are never wrong in your judgment of people,” Akpabio said.
“I went into an executive session and told my colleagues, ‘Let us give this young man an opportunity and see what happens.’”
Tinubu also admitted that his decision to appoint Tijani was met with resistance from his close associates, who objected due to the minister’s past social media criticisms.
“When I picked him, it was tough. My close confidantes, who had read his comments, objected, saying, ‘No, never,’” Tinubu said.
“But I told them he is talented. Just because he criticized me and the government in the past does not mean he has nothing to offer.”
The President said he believed Tijani’s frustration at the time could be a motivation for him to serve Nigeria better.
“Maybe his dissatisfaction back then will drive him to contribute more to governance. And today, he is doing that, and I am very proud of him,” Tinubu added.