Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, says his resignation is a personal choice and not an admission of guilt.
Nnaji tendered his resignation on Tuesday following the controversy around his certificate, which he says he obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
After the institution contradicted his claim, Nnaji’s resignation was accepted by President Bola Tinubu, with the former minister stating that it was not a decision taken lightly.
“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,” Nnaji said on Tuesday night.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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,” he added.