Presidency: Shettima not barred from Aso Rock

The presidency has debunked reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima has been denied access to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The presidency, in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, described the reports as “mischievous and totally fabricated”.

Nkwocha stated that Shettima was not denied entry to the Presidential Villa, saying the reports were fabricated to cause confusion and insinuate clash in the presidency.

Nkwocha said: “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.

“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.

“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.

“However, their questionable sources or habitual reliance on misinformation have once again led them astray. These fairy tales they publish serve no purpose beyond mischief and distraction.”

Nkwocha further stated that Shettima remains focused on his duties and on supporting President Bola Tinubu in achieving the aspirations of Nigerians.

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He added: “He (Shettima) 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’s not and will never partake in their media circus. It is a futile pursuit, even by the standards of the morally indifferent.

“We commend Nigerians across all divides who continue to express goodwill towards this administration and who have taken it upon themselves to fight the spread of fake news. Your trust and support are deeply appreciated.

“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. Not under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

Nkwocha, therefore, urged Nigerians 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.”

The Star