My Resignation Not Admission of Guilt - Ex-Minister Nnaji Breaks Silence

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has explained that his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet was to safeguard his integrity and prevent distractions from the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

NAIJA METRO NEWS had reported that Nnaji tendered his resignation on Tuesday following controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery. 

The Presidency later confirmed his exit the same day.

In a statement, the former minister said he reached the decision after “deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians.”

According to him, his resignation was prompted by “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 stressed that his decision to step aside 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.

He added that he could not in good conscience allow “distractions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives” of the Tinubu administration, noting that his reputation was built over “five decades anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity.”

While appreciating President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and for the opportunity to serve, Nnaji pledged continued loyalty to the administration’s vision of building a “renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria.”