The Presidency has firmly debunked circulating reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima was denied access to the Presidential Villa, describing the claims as baseless, malicious, and entirely fictional.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, condemned the reports as a “deliberate and well-planned orchestration of falsehood.”
Nkwocha emphasized that the claims, which emerged from what he termed “obscure blogs,” are a gross misrepresentation of reality and intended to sow discord within the highest levels of government.
“The publication is so far removed from reality that it could only be entertained by those unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Nigerian government,” Nkwocha stated.
He categorically denied the rumour that armed military personnel had barred the vice president from entering the villa, branding the allegation as “the wildest expression of wishful thinking.”
According to Nkwocha, the vice president continues to enjoy an excellent working relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and any attempt to suggest otherwise is an effort in futility.
“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.
He noted a growing pattern of fabricated stories targeting the vice president and the administration, aimed at misleading the public and creating the false impression of conflict within the presidency.
“These mischievous and totally fabricated reports are all in a bid to cause confusion and insinuate a clash at the presidency,” he said.
Nkwocha reaffirmed that Shettima remains fully committed to his duties and to supporting President Tinubu in delivering on the administration’s mandate.
“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 stressed.
The Presidency also reiterated its call on the media to uphold journalistic integrity and verify sensitive claims before publication, urging Nigerians to rely only on credible sources.
“No amount of falsehood or manufactured tension can shake the foundation of this democratic mandate. Not under the watch of President Tinubu,” the statement concluded.
Nkwocha extended appreciation to Nigerians who continue to show goodwill toward the Tinubu-Shettima administration and support the fight against fake news.
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