The attention of the general public has been drawn to circulating reports suggesting that former Bayelsa State Governor and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has fled the country amid allegations of a coup plot.
However, Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, has come out to debunk these claims.
In a statement, Bokoru explained that Sylva was not in the country when his residence was raided by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. According to Bokoru, Sylva was outside the country at the time of the incident and was actually in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up.
“He was engaged in a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom, after which he was scheduled to proceed to Malaysia to attend a professional conference,” Bokoru said. Adding that his boss will only return to the country after all activities lined up in his schedule must have been completed.
Bokoru described the raid on Sylva’s residence as “considerable damage” and noted that despite efforts, the reasons or authorization for the raid remain unclear. He emphasized that Sylva has no involvement whatsoever in any coup plot, stating that he is a “thoroughbred democrat” who has always supported democratic processes and institutions.
“Sylva has achieved every milestone through transparent, democratic engagement and the will of the people,” Bokoru added.
The aide attributed the circulating rumors to “desperate and narcissistic politicians” who see Sylva as a threat to their ambitions. He noted that Sylva’s unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a matter of public record, citing how he mobilized the entire Bayelsa APC structure to endorse the president at the APC Bayelsa Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting.
Bokoru concluded by stating that Sylva will continue to uphold democratic principles and values, and that these baseless allegations will not deter him from his commitment to public service.
