Vice-President Kashim Shettima has described as mischievous, reports making the rounds that he has been barred from entering the Presidential Villa.
On Friday, a report published by an online outlet alleged that Shettima was denied access to the Presidential Villa and was under some form of house restriction while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is away on an overseas trip.
The news quickly spread across social media, sparking speculation about possible tensions within the Presidency.
However, in a statement released on Saturday by Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), the claim was outrightly denied.
Nkwocha noted, “In recent times, there has been deliberate and well-planned orchestration of falsehood against the vice president’s person and office in many multidimensional forms.”
He explained that these types of stories are intentionally created to sow confusion among the public and present a false image of conflict between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.
Nkwocha continued, “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 the Vice President Kashim Shettima. For the record, NOTHING OF THE SORT EVER HAPPENED.”
He described the viral report as “the wildest expression of wishful thinking,” saying those behind the false story clearly do not understand how the Nigerian government works.
Earlier in the week, the Presidency had also countered another false claim about campaign posters showing Tinubu and Shettima, further pointing to what it described as a trend of fake news meant to create unnecessary drama.
Nkwocha stressed that the Vice President remains focused on his responsibilities and stands firmly with the President in delivering good governance to Nigerians.
He added, “The Vice President remains focused on his duties and on supporting the President in achieving the aspirations of Nigerians. 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.”
The statement also expressed appreciation to Nigerians who continue to support the current administration and reject fake news.
“The covenant between this government and the citizens of Nigeria was made possible through a legitimate and constitutional process. No amount of falsehood or manufactured tension can shake the foundation of that democratic mandate,” it read.
