The Office of the President has denied a newspaper publication alleging that the President, His Excellency John Evans Atta Mills expressed shock when he was informed that one Stephen Blay, whose nomination as a District Chief Executive for Jomoro has been withdrawn, is a relation. Stephen Blay claimed in the publication that President Mills expressed shock upon learning that he (Stephen Blay) was married to the president’s niece, adding that the president said he was pressured into withdrawing the nomination. A statement issued by Information Minister, Mrs Zita Okaikoi said "President Mills has at no time expressed shock, neither has he told anyone about being pressurised to withdraw any nominee for the post of DCE. "Accordingly, the Presidency wishes to state that the decision to withdraw the nomination of Stephen Blay would not have been affected by the President’s knowledge or otherwise of any supposed familial relationship."