A former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has clarified that his resignation was a decision to protect his integrity and prevent distractions to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

NEWSMAXNG reports that Nnaji resigned from his post on Tuesday, amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Read: BREAKING!!! Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Over Certificate Forgery

In a statement, Nnaji clarified that he stepped down after “deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians.”

According to him, his exit followed “an orchestrated sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks” targeted at his person and office over the past week.

“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,” he said.

Nnaji maintained that his decision to quit was not an admission of guilt, but a move to uphold due process and respect ongoing judicial proceedings.

“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,” he stated.

The former minister said he could not in good conscience allow “distractions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives” of the Tinubu administration.

He added that his reputation had been built over “five decades anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity.”

He thanked President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and for the privilege to serve, as he pledged continued loyalty to the administration’s vision for a “renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria.”