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Certificate Scandal: I Didn’t Resign Out of Guilt — Tinubu’s Ex-Ministe
Nigeria’s former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has denied that his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet was an admission of guilt over alleged certificate forgery.
In a statement released on his official X handle, Nnaji said he stepped down to allow for an “unfettered investigation” into the allegations against him but maintained his innocence.
“I did not resign out of guilt,” he wrote. “I took the decision in good faith, to preserve the integrity of the office I held and to avoid unnecessary distractions to the administration I proudly served.”
The former minister described the reports linking him to forged academic and NYSC certificates as politically motivated and part of an “orchestrated campaign of falsehood” aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
Nnaji noted that he had already instituted legal action against those spreading what he called malicious claims, expressing confidence that the truth would eventually prevail.
“My records are verifiable. I remain committed to public service guided by transparency and due process,” he said.
The resignation of the Enugu-born politician marks the first major cabinet exit under President Tinubu, stirring public debate about the administration’s anti-corruption credentials.
While the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology have yet to issue official comments, the controversy has sparked renewed calls for stricter screening of political appointees.
Political observers say Nnaji’s insistence on his innocence underscores the growing pressure on the government to enforce ethical accountability within its ranks.
