Shettima denies being barred from Presidential Villa
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday denied media reports that he was barred from the Presidential Villa in Abuja over growing rift with President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima dismissed the report as false and the continuation of desperate attempts by mischief makers to cause confusion and insinuate total clash in the Presidency, and mislead the public into believing there’s discord at the highest level of government.
Shettima in a statement through his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha said that the latest string of disinformation was filed by “some obscure blogs”.
“Nothing of the sort ever happened. 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.
“Earlier this week, the Presidency dismissed similar fake news regarding responsibility for the circulation of campaign posters bearing the images of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“These stories reflect a desperate attempt to undermine the President and his Deputy’s fidelity to the rule of law and our constitution. Let it be known that those pushing these falsehoods do so in vain.
“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,” the Vice President added.
Shettima said he would continue to focus on his duties and supporting the President in achieving the aspirations of Nigerians, and will not be distracted by those intent on creating smoke where there is no fire.
He commended Nigerians across all divides who continue to express goodwill towards the 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.”
Shettima encouraged the public to disregard such malicious publications, adding that the media should verify information from credible sources and approach sensational claims with caution before publication.
