Certificates Scandal: Why I resigned from Tinubu’s cupboard – Nnaji 

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Know-how, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has defined that his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cupboard was a private determination made to guard his integrity.

He mentioned the transfer was additionally aimed toward stopping pointless distractions to the Federal Authorities’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Nnaji had resigned from his place on Tuesday amid controversies surrounding his educational credentials and allegations of certificates forgery.

In a press release launched the identical day, which adopted affirmation of his resignation by the Presidency, Nnaji mentioned he stepped down after “deep reflection and consultations with household, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians.”

In keeping with him, his exit got here in response to “an orchestrated sustained marketing campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious assaults” focused at his particular person and workplace in current days.

“These unfounded allegations and media distortions haven’t solely brought on private misery however have additionally begun to distract from the important work of the ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President,” he mentioned.

Nnaji careworn that his resignation shouldn’t be seen as an act of contrition however as a principled act to uphold due course of and permit judicial proceedings to run their course.

“My determination to step apart is subsequently a private alternative — not an act of contrition, however moderately a principled determination to respect the sanctity of due course of and to protect the integrity of the judicial proceedings at the moment earlier than the courtroom. In the long run, justice will prevail, and historical past will vindicate the simply,” he said.

The previous minister added that he couldn’t, in good conscience, permit “distractions to solid a shadow over the noble aims” of the Tinubu administration, emphasizing that his repute was constructed over “5 many years anchored on onerous work, honour, and repair to humanity.”

Nnaji expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the belief and alternative to serve, pledging his continued loyalty to the administration’s imaginative and prescient for a “renewed, modern, and technologically pushed Nigeria.”

Appointed in August 2023, Nnaji served till his resignation amid ongoing investigations into alleged procurement irregularities in his ministry.

He and the Enugu State Authorities have additionally traded phrases over allegations that he offered solid educational certificates.