JUST IN: Presidency debunks claim VP Shettima was barred from Villa
By Kunle Sanni
The Presidency has debunked reports circulating on social media and obscure blogs claiming that Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, was denied access to the Presidential Villa, calling them “totally fabricated” and “a mischievous attempt to create confusion.”
In a statement on Saturday, Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), described the claim as part of a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at sowing discord within the administration.
Nkwocha stated, “The latest in this string of disinformation is a report claiming that the Vice President has been refused entry to the Villa. For the record, nothing of the sort ever happened.”
He said the story of military barricades against the Vice President is “so far removed from reality” and could only be believed by “those unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Nigerian government.”
The statement also referenced similar fake news earlier in the week, including the circulation of campaign posters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which had already been debunked.
Nkwocha emphasized that Vice President Shettima remains fully committed to his responsibilities and continues to work closely with President Tinubu in delivering the administration’s mandate.
He added that the Vice President is focused on his duties and has no time for distractions “born of the imagination of individuals intent on creating smoke where there is no fire.”
The Presidency urged the public to disregard the malicious report and encouraged media professionals to verify claims before publishing, reaffirming the strong bond between the President and the Vice President.
