Former Innovation Minister Nnaji Denies Wrongdoing, Explains Resignation
Embattled 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 academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.
Nnaji, whose resignation was confirmed by the Presidency on Tuesday, said in a statement on Tuesday that he stepped down after “deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians.”
According to him, his exit followed “an orchestrated, sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks” targeted at his person and office over the past week.
The former minister said he could not in good conscience allow “distractions to cast a shadow over 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 was appointed in August 2023 and served until his resignation amid ongoing investigations into alleged procurement irregularities in his ministry.
Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.
