- Bosun says he is very passionate about Nigeria
- The 46-year-old claims he tweeted as a result of a frustration
One of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees, Bosun Tijani, says any disparaging remarks he made about Nigeria and its leaders in the past were spurred by frustration.
This is as he apologised to senators for calling them “morons” in a 2021 Twitter post.
Bosun, who is the CEO and co-founder of CcHub, appeared before the lawmakers on Saturday to be screened as a minister.
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari representing Oyo North Senatorial District had questioned Bosun over his controversial tweet in 2019 that was demeed to have portrayed Nigeria in bad light.
He said: “On the 21st of July 2019, Dr Bosun tweeted against Nigeria that he does not appreciate the Nigerian passport and Nigeria as a nation.”
Buhari asked Bosun to clarify whether he still believes in Nigeria and the country’s passport.
Addressing the Senate, Bosun said he is very passionate about the country and he is committed to the country’s development.
The 46-year-old claimed he tweeted as a result of a frustrating experience he had with the Chinese Embassy.
“I tweeted in anger,” the ministerial nominee from Ogun State admitted.
Speaking further, Bosun said, “I want my two young girls to grow up and be proud Nigerians.
“What they’ve given to you is that it’s just a screenshot of the first one, which is convenient. I’m very passionate about Nigeria, as I’m standing in front of you.
“I’m standing here with you today because people know me for the work I have done.
“Not because of my father or mother, because they are both late. I do not have political connections. I am extremely passionate about Nigeria.
“I am not what is being represented online.”
Senator Ishaku Abbo, representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, defended Bosun, saying that the nominee tweeted out of a mixture of frustration and love for Nigeria.
Also, Senator Solomon Adeola from Ogun West Senatorial District defended the nominee from his state, saying his “youthful exuberance” and “shortcomings” should be forgiven.
See video below:
This is the highlight of the minister's screening for me. Tinubu got it right with Bosun Tijanni. Our tech/education sector will benefit immensely.
I hope he has the wisdom and courage to navigate Nigeria's political landscape and the saboteur civil servants at the ministries. pic.twitter.com/meDmKmzSTe
— Kelvin Odanz (@MrOdanz) August 5, 2023