It has been nearly a year since the new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima was completed, yet he has not yet moved into the luxurious abode, as discovered by Weekend Trust. The residence, reportedly costing about N15 billion, was officially opened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 7, 2024. However, during a recent visit by Weekend Trust on Friday, January 31, 2025, only a small number of plainclothes security personnel were visible around the property, with no signs of any activity within. This delay in the VP’s relocation has raised questions and speculation among various sources familiar with the situation.
Lingering Security Concerns
According to multiple sources privy to the matter, the reason behind Vice President Shettima’s hesitation to move into the new official residence is purportedly due to security concerns. These sources point to the location of the residence, suggesting that it may not be suitable for housing such a high-profile national figure like the Vice President of Nigeria. This potential security risk may be a key factor contributing to the prolonged delay in the VP’s transition to the new house, as insiders speculate on the underlying reasons for the VP’s continued absence from the lavish residence.
While these claims remain unconfirmed by official sources, attempts to reach out to the Vice President’s spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, for a statement on the matter were unsuccessful. Additionally, inquiries made to an official from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the implementing body of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), revealed that all necessary work on the vice president’s residence, under the jurisdiction of the FCT administration, had been successfully completed. Following its construction, the project was officially handed over to the presidency during the commissioning ceremony held last year.
Speculations and Uncertainties
The delay in Vice President Shettima’s move to the new presidential house has sparked various speculations and uncertainties within the political sphere and among the public. The lingering security concerns surrounding the location of the official residence have fueled debates on the appropriateness of the site for a figure of the VP’s stature, prompting questions about the potential risks and implications of the delay.
As the discussions around the VP’s delayed relocation continue to circulate, the absence of an official statement or clarification from the Vice President’s office adds to the mystery surrounding the situation. With no concrete explanation provided by official sources, the public is left to speculate on the reasons behind the VP’s decision to hold off on moving into the newly constructed residence, creating a sense of intrigue and curiosity among observers and stakeholders alike.
In conclusion, the Vice President’s delay in transitioning to the new official residence, amidst swirling security concerns and unanswered questions, underscores the complex nature of high-profile political decisions and the intricate balance between personal safety and public expectations. As the narrative unfolds, the true motivations behind this delay remain shrouded in ambiguity, leaving room for further analysis and interpretation of the VP’s strategic considerations and the broader implications of his prolonged absence from the opulent presidential house.
