‘I’m Not Guilty, I Resigned To Uphold Due Process,’ Says Ex-Minister Nnaji

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has insisted that his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet was not an admission of guilt amid the certificate forgery allegations against him.

Recall that Nnaji, who resigned on Tuesday following controversy over his academic credentials from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, maintained that his decision to step down was a matter of principle.

In a statement released on Tuesday night, the former minister said his resignation “did not come lightly,” stressing that it was aimed at preserving due process and allowing justice to take its course.

“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,” Nnaji said.

“In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just.”

While Nnaji maintained that he graduated from UNN in 1975, reports have surfaced indicating that the institution could not verify his academic records.

The former minister, however, claimed that the certificate scandal was politically motivated, describing it as part of a “malicious campaign” to tarnish his image.

“Over the past week, an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms,” he stated.

“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.”

Nnaji expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed his loyalty to the administration.

“I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence he reposed in me and for the privilege to serve in his cabinet,” he said.

“His vision for a renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria is one I continue to hold dear, and I pledge my unflinching support to his administration and its transformative goals.”

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has accepted Nnaji’s resignation. In a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, the President thanked the former minister for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.

LEADERSHIP reports that Nnaji was appointed Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in August 2023.