“My Resignation Is Not an Admission of Guilt” – Geoffrey Nnaji

Geoffrey Nnaji has broken his silence following his resignation as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, insisting that stepping down was not an admission of guilt.

In a statement signed in Abuja, Nnaji said he resigned due to the personal distress and professional distractions caused by allegations surrounding his academic certificates, which he described as unfounded and politically motivated. He emphasized that the decision was a personal choice, aimed at preserving the integrity of the ongoing judicial proceedings and respecting the principles of due process.

Nnaji, who was appointed minister by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023, said that over the past week, he had been the target of sustained falsehoods and malicious attacks across print, electronic, and social media. He noted that he could not allow these distortions to overshadow the objectives of the current administration. Reflecting on his career, he said he had spent five decades building a reputation based on hard work, honor, and service to humanity, and expressed optimism that justice would ultimately prevail.

President Tinubu accepted Nnaji’s resignation on Tuesday evening. In response, the president thanked him for his service and wished him well in his future endeavors, according to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid allegations that he had been targeted by political opponents, a claim he highlighted in his resignation letter.