Presidency Debunks Allegations of Villa Access Denial to VP Shettima

The Presidency has dismissed as entirely false and mischievous recent media reports alleging that Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, was denied access to the Presidential Villa by armed military personnel.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), the reports were described as fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to sow discord within the Presidency.

Nkwoka noted that the story, circulated by “obscure blogs,” is part of a calculated disinformation campaign designed to mislead the public into believing that there is a rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Vice President Shettima.

“The recent publication alleging that armed military units barricaded the Vice President from accessing the Villa is not only the wildest expression of wishful thinking but a clear indication that the purveyors of these tales have exhausted both ink and imagination.

“It is a story so far removed from reality that it can only be entertained by those unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Nigerian government.” The statement read.

Nkwoka emphasized that Vice President Shettima remains committed to his duties and continues to work harmoniously with the President in delivering the promises made to the Nigerian people. 

He added that those peddling such stories were engaging in a “futile pursuit,” motivated by mischief and misinformation.

This latest falsehood, the statement said, follows closely on the heels of other fake news, including reports about campaign posters supposedly sowing division between the President and his Deputy, claims which the Presidency also previously refuted.

“The mischief-makers continue to underestimate the strength of the bond and goodwill between the President and the Vice President.

“These fairy tales serve no purpose beyond mischief and distraction.” The statement continued.

Nkwocha lauded Nigerians who have continued to express faith in the administration and called on the media and the public to rely on credible sources before believing or sharing unverified information.

He concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency, rule of law, and the constitutional mandate given to it by the people of Nigeria.

“No amount of falsehood or manufactured tension can shake the foundation of that democratic mandate. Not under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated.