Chief Julius Bokoru, media aide to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has dismissed reports linking his principal to a coup plot and clarified the recent military raid on Sylva’s homes in Yenagoa and Abuja.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bokoru said he had been inundated with calls and messages from journalists, associates, and concerned Nigerians following reports that Sylva had “fled” Nigeria amid allegations of a coup conspiracy.
He clarified that while a raid indeed took place, the former Bayelsa State governor had no involvement in any subversive activities against the government.
“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.
“Considerable damage was inflicted on the property, and the officers provided no explanation for their actions either during or after the incident”, said Bokoru.
He further explained that Sylva and his wife, Alanyingi Sylva, were both out of the country at the time of the raid.
According to Bokoru, the former minister was in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up and was scheduled to proceed to Malaysia for a professional conference.
The spokesman condemned the spread of false information suggesting that Sylva’s trip was an attempt to evade investigation or hide from the authorities.
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“These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of desperate and narcissistic politicians, already consumed by ambitions for 2027,” he said, alleging that the misinformation campaign was being orchestrated by political rivals threatened by Sylva’s enduring influence in Bayelsa politics.
Bokoru stressed that Sylva’s political record demonstrates his commitment to democratic values and lawful governance.
“Chief Sylva is a thoroughbred democrat whose entire political journey has been defined by his faith in democratic processes and institutions,” he said. “From his early days in the Old Rivers State House of Assembly to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, every milestone he achieved was through transparent and lawful means.”
He also pointed out Sylva’s unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress, noting his active role in mobilising party structures across Bayelsa to support the president’s candidacy.
“The entire Bayelsa APC structure unanimously endorsed President Tinubu at the expanded stakeholders’ meeting, thanks to Sylva’s leadership,” Bokoru noted.
The Defence Headquarters has since denied the existence of any coup plot, labelling the reports as baseless. However, the raid on Sylva’s residences has continued to stir questions about due process, communication lapses, and possible political undertones behind the operation.
Bokoru concluded by reaffirming that Sylva remains committed to peace, democracy, and the rule of law, despite attempts by political opponents to tarnish his image.
