The Presidency has firmly denied reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima was denied entry into the Presidential Villa in Abuja, okay.ng reports.
In a statement released on Saturday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), the claims were described as “false and mischievous” and “totally fabricated.”
Nkwocha emphasized that the allegations, which originated from “obscure blogs,” were intended to mislead the public into thinking there is a rift between President Bola Tinubu and his deputy. “This is a feeble attempt to traduce the person and office of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON. For the record, nothing of the sort ever happened,” the statement read.
The report had alleged that military personnel barricaded the Villa to prevent Shettima’s entry. Nkwocha dismissed this as “the wildest expression of wishful thinking” and accused the perpetrators of sowing discord within the government.
He further noted, “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.” The statement also recalled a similar false rumor about campaign posters featuring Tinubu, which was earlier debunked.
Nkwocha assured Nigerians that Shettima remains focused on his duties and urged the public to disregard such reports, encouraging journalists to verify information from credible sources. He concluded that no falsehood would undermine the democratic mandate of the Tinubu administration.