Samuel Omang
In a move that has stirred conversations across Nigeria’s political landscape, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has broken his silence following his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, insisting that his decision was guided by integrity and respect for due process rather than guilt.
Nnaji, who stepped down amid a growing certificate scandal and allegations of document forgery, said he quit to protect his reputation and prevent further distraction to the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The Presidency confirmed his resignation on Tuesday after days of media speculation.
In a statement released shortly after, Nnaji described the allegations as “politically motivated falsehoods” orchestrated to tarnish his image and derail the progress of his ministry.
“These unfounded claims have caused me personal distress and threatened to overshadow the vital work of the ministry and the vision of Mr President,” Nnaji said. “My resignation is a principled choice to uphold due process and allow justice to take its course. In the end, truth will prevail.”
The former minister emphasized that his exit was not an admission of wrongdoing, adding that he has spent over five decades building a reputation anchored on “hard work, honour, and service to humanity.”
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, pledging continued loyalty to the administration’s mission of building a technologically driven Nigeria under the Renewed Hope framework.
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, left office amid investigations into alleged procurement irregularities within his ministry. His resignation followed a heated exchange with the Enugu State Government, which accused him of presenting forged academic credentials—a claim he has strongly denied.
The development adds to the list of recent controversies testing the Tinubu government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.