Tinubu Accepts Tech Minister Nnaji’s Resignation Amid Forgery Allegations and Claims of Political Blackmail.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Mr. Geoffrey Uche Nnaji as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, a development that follows swirling allegations of certificate forgery against the minister.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Mr. Nnaji, who was appointed to the cabinet in August 2023, tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to the President. In it, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation. However, he also claimed that he had become a “target of blackmail by political opponents,” framing his departure as a move forced by a malicious campaign against him.
President Tinubu, in his response, thanked the outgoing minister for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
The resignation brings a temporary halt to a growing political storm, but it is unlikely to be the end of the matter. In recent weeks, Nnaji has faced intense public scrutiny and accusations of forging his academic credentials. These allegations prompted loud calls from various quarters, including civil society organizations and political commentators, for him not only to resign but to face prosecution.
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Forgery is a serious criminal offense in Nigeria, carrying a potential prison sentence.
The situation has also opened up a regional fault line in national discourse. The allegations and subsequent resignation have not been received uniformly across the country. Some prominent voices from the southeastern region, where Nnaji hails from, have argued that the minister is being unfairly targeted due to his ethnic background.
They have emphasized a perception that if he were from another part of the country, the allegations might have been overlooked or handled with less public fervour. This sentiment highlights the lingering and often contentious issues of regional politics and perceived marginalization in Nigeria.
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With Nnaji’s resignation now official, the focus shifts to two key questions: Will the Presidency or relevant anti-graft agencies pursue a formal investigation and potential legal action over the forgery claims? And how will this episode impact the political equilibrium within President Tinubu’s cabinet, particularly concerning representation from the southeast?
For now, the President is expected to appoint a new minister to lead the Innovation, Science, and Technology ministry, a portfolio considered critical for the nation’s economic diversification plans.
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