President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, following certificate forgery allegations that surfaced against him after the President’s intervention.
The President’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, noting that “President Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him.”
According to Onanuga, Mr Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to the President, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation.
In his resignation letter, Nnaji described himself as a victim of political persecution, claiming that he had been subjected to a sustained campaign of blackmail by political opponents. “I have been a target of blackmail by political opponents,” he reportedly wrote, maintaining that the allegations were politically motivated.
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While details of the alleged certificate forgery remain unclear, sources within the Presidency said the government decided to allow due process to take its course, in keeping with the administration’s stated commitment to accountability and transparency.
President Tinubu, in accepting the resignation, expressed appreciation for Nnaji’s contributions to national development during his tenure and wished him well in his future endeavours. “The President thanked him for his service and wished him well in his future undertakings,” Onanuga said.
Nnaji’s resignation marks the first ministerial exit from President Tinubu’s cabinet since it was inaugurated last year. His departure comes at a time when the administration faces increasing public demand for transparency and ethical conduct among political appointees.
The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology plays a vital role in advancing Nigeria’s technological development, digital transformation, and industrial growth strategies under the current administration.
Political observers believe the development may prompt a cabinet reshuffle or the appointment of a replacement in the coming days. The Presidency, however, has yet to announce who will oversee the ministry in an acting capacity as investigations into the forgery allegations continue.
