A prominent political commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has reacted to the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, following allegations of certificate forgery.
Chief Nnaji’s resignation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet comes just hours after GistReel reported that the President had summoned him to the Presidential Villa over the growing controversy.
His decision marks the latest development in a scandal that has drawn widespread attention both within government circles and among the public.
Shehu condemns forgery
Reacting to the minister’s resignation, Mahdi Shehu took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to share his thoughts.
He wrote: “BREAKING: MINISTER NNAJI RESIGNS: After all the leg dragging, denials, court shopping, grand standing etc, the Minister of science and innovation, a certified forger has resigned from Bola’s Cabinet.
“Every forger should take note that no matter how long it takes, a day will come when his forgery will be in public domain and shall be put to shame in this world and the next. Forgers to ‘your tents’.”
Shehu commends Premium Times for investigative journalism
Shehu further praised investigative journalists at Premium Times for their role in exposing the alleged forgery, describing their work as a victory for truth and accountability.
He wrote: “KUDOS TO PREMIUM TIMES: AS DISGRACED MINISTER NNAJI RESIGNS. Moment ago, the disgraced Minister of science and innovation resigned from Tinubu’s cabinet.
“The credit goes 100% to the resilient journalist at Premium Times who spent two years to establish a clear FORGERY against the pretender.
“What remains is for the minister to refund all the monies he received from the date he assumed duty to date because it was monies earned through FRAUD.
“Others yet to resign forgers occupying various government seats should prepare, because their days are counted. Like Nnaji never expected his exit so soon, they should expect theirs very soon either willingly or unwillingly.”
Background of the scandal
The controversy surrounding Chief Nnaji began after reports alleged that he had presented forged academic credentials to secure his ministerial appointment.
Investigations by Premium Times reportedly uncovered discrepancies in his certificates, prompting growing public pressure on the government to act.
President Tinubu was said to have summoned the minister to the Presidential Villa for clarification before his eventual resignation.
Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji’s exit adds to a growing list of controversies challenging the administration’s commitment to transparency and integrity in public service.
His resignation has also reignited conversations about the need for stricter vetting of political appointees in Nigeria.