The Presidency has categorically denied reports alleging that Vice President Kashim Shettima was denied access to the Presidential Villa, describing the claim as a baseless fabrication aimed at sowing discord at the highest levels of government.
In a strongly worded statement issued Saturday in Abuja, Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), dismissed the report as a “deliberate and well-planned orchestration of falsehood.”
“These mischievous and totally fabricated reports are all in a bid to cause confusion and insinuate total clash in the presidency,” Nkwocha stated.
“These reports seek to mislead the public into believing there’s discord at the highest levels of government.
The latest in this string of disinformation is a report claiming that the vice president has been refused entry to the villa.
“This is a feeble attempt to traduce the person and office of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima. For the record, NOTHING OF THE SORT EVER HAPPENED.”
He added that those spreading such falsehoods are either unfamiliar with the workings of government or deliberately trying to stir controversy where none exists.
“The recent publication by some obscure blogs alleging that armed military units have barricaded the vice president from accessing the presidential villa is not only the wildest expression of wishful thinking. (It’s) a clear indication that the purveyors of these tales have exhausted both ink and imagination.”
Nkwocha linked the latest rumour to a string of similar fake stories, including a recent claim tying Vice President Shettima to campaign posters featuring President Tinubu.
“These stories reflect a desperate attempt to undermine the President and his Deputy’s fidelity to the rule of law and our constitution.”
He insisted that the bond between the president and vice president remains strong, contrary to narratives peddled by mischief-makers.
“It is understandable, though regrettable, that the mischief-makers continue to underestimate the strength of the bond and goodwill between the President and the Vice President. However, their questionable sources or habitual reliance on misinformation have once again led them astray. These fairy tales they publish serve no purpose beyond mischief and distraction.”
Nkwocha affirmed that Vice President Shettima remains focused on his constitutional duties and is not swayed by distractions.
“He does not have the luxury of time for distractions, particularly those born of the imagination of individuals intent on creating smoke where there is no fire. He’s not and will never partake in their media circus. It is a futile pursuit, even by the standards of the morally indifferent.”
He concluded by commending Nigerians for their continued trust and support for the Tinubu administration.
“Your trust and support are deeply appreciated. No amount of falsehood or manufactured tension can shake the foundation of that democratic mandate. Not under the watch of President Tinubu.”
