Tinubu’s Ex-Minister Nnaji Speaks On His Resignation, Denies Forgery Allegations
Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has explained that his decision to resign from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet was taken to protect his integrity and prevent unnecessary distractions to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nnaji, who tendered his resignation on Tuesday amid controversy surrounding his academic credentials and alleged certificate forgery, said his exit was not an admission of guilt but a matter of personal principle and respect for due process.
In a statement released shortly after the Presidency confirmed his resignation, the former minister said he was stepping down after “deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians.”
According to him, his departure was prompted by “an orchestrated campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks” targeted at his person and office over the past week.
“These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President,” he said.
Nnaji stressed that his resignation was a personal decision rooted in his lifelong commitment to honour and integrity.
“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he stated.
He further expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, pledging continued loyalty to the administration’s vision for a “renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria.”
Nnaji said his reputation, built over five decades of public and private service, remained intact despite the campaign of calumny against him.
He had been serving as minister since August 2023 before his resignation following ongoing investigations into alleged procurement irregularities and controversies surrounding his academic qualifications.
The former minister and the Enugu State Government had been at loggerheads in recent days over allegations that he presented forged certificates, claims he continues to firmly deny.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
