I resigned from Tinubu’s cabinet to protect my integrity – Nnaji

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has broken his silence following his resignation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet, stating that his decision was driven by a desire to safeguard his integrity and avoid being a distraction to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a statement released shortly after his resignation on Tuesday, Nnaji described his exit as a personal and conscientious decision, emphasizing that his commitment to national development remains unwavering.

The former minister’s resignation comes amid allegations of academic record discrepancies and certificate forgery, which have stirred public debate and scrutiny within political circles.

Nnaji, whose resignation was also confirmed by the Presidency on Tuesday, said 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.

“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 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.