…Denies Wrongdoing
By Jude Atupulazi
A former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has said his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet was a decision to protect his integrity and prevent distractions to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He had resigned from his post on Tuesday, amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.
Nnaji, whose resignation was confirmed by the Presidency on Tuesday, said in a statement, same day, that he stepped down after deep reflections and consultations with family, associates and well-meaning Nigerians.
He said his exit was due to orchestrated and sustained 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 maintained that his decision to quit was not an admission of guilt, but a move to uphold due process and respect ongoing judicial proceedings.
‘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.
The former Minister said he could not in good conscience allow distractions to cast a shadow over what he described as the noble objectives of the Tinubu administration, adding that his reputation had been built over five decades anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity.
He thanked President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and for the privilege to serve, pledging continued loyalty to the administration’s vision for a ‘renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria.’
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, has been having a running battle with the Enugu State Government over allegations that he presented forged certificates.
