Opening up on his alleged involvement in a coup plot to topple the government of President Bola Tinubu, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has rubbished claims linking him to any such plot.
He also dismissed media reports which said he fled the country via the Niger Delta creeks, to a European country en route Argentina, South America, in the wake of a leak of the alleged coup plot.
To the contrary, he explained, he left the country for routine medical checkup in the UK after which he is scheduled to attend a professional conference in Malaysia, Asia.
Speaking through his Special Assistant (SA) on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Julius Bokoru, the former governor of Bayelsa State described the reports as completely false and politically-driven.
According to the SA, the former Minister is not involved in any way in any coup-related activities, stressing that Sylva remains a pillar of support for President Tinubu and a loyal democrat.
The SA fingered political opponents out to damage Chief Sylva’s image ahead of the 2027 general elections,as the alleged brains behind his coup plot involvement rumour.
On the reported invasion of Sylva’s Abuja home by security operatives, Bokoru confirmed that indeed the residence was recently searched by some individuals believed to be operatives from the Defence Headquarters, adding that during the operation, significant damage was said to have been done to the property.
“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 operation, considerable damage was inflicted on the property. The reason for the raid was not made known by the security agents.
“Sylva and his wife were not in Nigeria when it happened. As of my last communication with His Excellency, he was undergoing routine medical checks in the United Kingdom, after which he was scheduled to attend a professional conference in Malaysia,” he stated.
Delving into his principal’s political culture, the SA explained that Chief Sylva’s political life has always been rooted in democratic principles, stressing that the ex-Minister’s loyalty to President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) is unwavering.
Urging the public to ignore what he described as “the baseless rumours”, Bokoru pointed to a statement by the Defence Headquarters denying any claims of a coup plot in the country.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Chief Sylva.
