Presidency warns against fake news, Denies Villa access rumours

The Office of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has condemned what it describes as a calculated campaign of misinformation aimed at sowing discord and creating the illusion of a power struggle within the Presidency.

In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), the Presidency dismissed recent reports as baseless fabrications intended to mislead the public.

Particularly, the statement debunked a viral claim suggesting that Vice President Shettima was denied access to the Presidential Villa by armed military personnel.

“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,” the statement read. “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.”

This rebuttal follows another wave of misinformation earlier in the week, including unverified claims regarding campaign posters featuring President Bola Tinubu.

“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,” Nkwocha added.

Despite the ongoing campaign of disinformation, the Vice President remains committed to his duties and steadfast in supporting President Tinubu to deliver on the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians.

The Office urged Nigerians to disregard such malicious reports and encouraged the media to rely on credible sources, emphasizing the importance of verifying sensational claims before publication.