Sylva denies coup allegation

…. explains raid on his homes

Chief Julius Bokoru, spokesman to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has refuted claims linking the Bayelsa-born politician to a coup plot and explained the circumstances surrounding the raid on his residences in Yenagoa and Abuja.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bokoru confirmed that security operatives believed to be from the Defence Headquarters had recently raided Sylva’s homes, causing significant damage. However, he said no official explanation or authorization for the operation has been provided.

He clarified that Sylva and his wife, Her Excellency Alanyingi Sylva, were both outside Nigeria during the raid. According to him, the former governor was in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up and was scheduled to travel to Malaysia for a professional conference afterward.

Bokoru dismissed as “baseless” the reports suggesting Sylva fled the country or was connected to a coup plot. “Chief Sylva has no involvement whatsoever, either in planning or logistics, with any such plot,” he stated.

He emphasized Sylva’s long-standing commitment to democracy, recalling his record from his days in the old Rivers State House of Assembly through his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State.

Bokoru also highlighted Sylva’s “unwavering support” for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting how he had mobilized the Bayelsa APC structure to endorse the President during the party’s stakeholders’ meeting.

He attributed the rumours to “desperate politicians with 2027 ambitions,” saying, “These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of individuals threatened by Sylva’s political relevance and credibility.”