Timipre Sylva Not Involved In Coup Plot, Says Aide

Chief Julius Bokoru, Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has dismissed viral rumours linking his principal to any coup plot in Nigeria, describing the claims as baseless and politically motivated.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Bokoru said some desperate and self-centered politicians were behind the rumour because they allegedly see Sylva as an obstacle to their ambitions ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said, “These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of desperate and narcissistic politicians, already consumed by ambitions for 2027, who see Sylva as their last real obstacle, a man whose political presence and credibility continue to expose their dark, self-serving ambitions.”

Bokoru described Sylva as a “thoroughbred democrat” who has always believed in transparent leadership and the rule of law, adding that the former Bayelsa State governor has remained a strong supporter of President Bola Tinubu and his administration.

He said, “Chief Sylva is a thoroughbred democrat, whose entire political journey has been defined by his faith in democratic processes and institutions. From the 1990s, when he was first elected into the Old Rivers State House of Assembly, to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, Sylva has achieved every milestone through transparent, democratic engagement and the will of the people.”

The media aide recalled that Sylva had recently mobilised the entire structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State to unanimously endorse President Tinubu during the party’s expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Yenagoa.

Bokoru also confirmed that Sylva’s Abuja home was recently raided by persons believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. He said the security personnel caused significant damage to the property and gave no explanation for their actions.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is true that the residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was recently subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property,” he stated.

Bokoru clarified that Sylva and his wife were both outside the country at the time of the raid.

“As at my last communication with His Excellency, 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,” he explained.

He further commended the Defence Headquarters for publicly dismissing the coup rumours and reiterated that Sylva had no involvement in any plot against the government.

“His unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a matter of public record,” Bokoru said, urging Nigerians to disregard the false reports and focus on issues that promote national unity.