…denies involvement, condemns raid on his residence
The immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has denied reports linking him to an alleged coup plot, describing the claims as a desperate attempt by political rivals to tarnish his image and reputation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by his media aide, Julius Bokoru, the former Bayelsa State Governor confirmed that his residence was recently raided by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters.
Sylva, who disclosed that he is currently in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up, said he was shocked to learn of the raid and has been making frantic efforts to determine who authorised the operation and for what purpose.
The statement read: “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. Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently.”
According to Bokoru, reports linking Sylva to a coup attempt were false and malicious. He noted that while the Defence Headquarters has already dismissed rumours of any coup plot in Nigeria, it was necessary to categorically state that Sylva has no involvement whatsoever either in planning or logistics with any such plot.
Bokoru further explained that after his medical evaluation in the UK, Sylva was scheduled to proceed to Malaysia to attend a professional conference, stressing that he remains a firm believer in democratic governance and due process.
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“Chief Sylva is a thoroughbred democrat whose political journey has been defined by his faith in democratic processes and institutions.
“From his early days in the Old Rivers State House of Assembly to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, he has achieved every milestone through transparent and democratic engagement.”
Reaffirming his loyalty and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sylva recalled how he recently mobilised members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa to endorse the President for a second term during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting.
“His unwavering support for President Tinubu is a matter of public record. 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,” the statement concluded.