By Omonu YG Nelson
The Presidency has vehemently denied reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima was refused entry to the Presidential Villa, calling the claims “mischievous” and “totally fabricated”.
In a statement, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, described the reports as “a feeble attempt to traduce the person and office of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON”.
“The recent publication by some obscure blogs alleging that armed military units have barricaded the Vice President from accessing the Presidential 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,” Nkwocha said. “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.”
According to Nkwocha, the reports are part of a deliberate and well-planned orchestration of falsehoods aimed at causing confusion and insinuating discord in the Presidency. “These stories reflect a desperate attempt to undermine the President and his Deputy’s fidelity to the rule of law and our constitution,” he added. “Let it be known that those pushing these falsehoods do so in vain.”
Nkwocha emphasised that 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,” he said. “He’s not and will never partake in their media circus. It is a futile pursuit, even by the standards of the morally indifferent.”
The Senior Special Assistant noted that the Presidency had earlier dismissed similar fake news regarding responsibility for the circulation of campaign posters bearing the images of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. “These fairy tales they publish serve no purpose beyond mischief and distraction,” he added.
Nkwocha commended Nigerians for their goodwill towards the administration and for fighting the spread of fake news. “Your trust and support are deeply appreciated,” he said. “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.”
He further emphasised that the government’s commitment to its citizens is unwavering. “Not under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” Nkwocha stated. “We encourage the public to disregard such malicious publications and the media to continue seeking information from credible sources and to approach sensational claims with the caution they deserve. This we owe ourselves collectively as a nation.”
The Presidency’s denial of the reports comes amid growing concerns about the spread of misinformation and fake news in the country. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their frustration with the proliferation of false information and its potential to undermine the government’s efforts.
In response to the situation, Nkwocha urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and critical of the information they consume. “We must be cautious of the sources of our information and not allow ourselves to be swayed by baseless claims and fabricated stories,” he said.