The Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, Julius Bokoru, has dismissed reports linking his principal to an alleged coup plot, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
Bokoru, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the rumours circulating in some quarters were the handiwork of desperate and self-seeking politicians seeking to actualise their ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Bokoru said some politicians had resorted to mischief because they perceived the former Bayelsa State governor as a major threat and obstacle to their ambitions.
He said, such “wicked politicians” had taken their desperation to “nauseating levels,” driven by Sylva’s intimidating political presence and credibility, which continued to expose their “self-serving ambitions and evil agenda.”
Describing Sylva as an “unrepentant and thoroughbred democrat,” Bokoru said the former governor had shown unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu and faith in his administration since his election.
He recalled that Sylva recently mobilised the entire structure of the All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the APC Bayelsa expanded stakeholders’ meeting.
Bokoru, however, confirmed that Sylva’s Abuja home was recently raided by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters, saying they inflicted significant damage on the property.
He said the security operatives did not provide any reason for their action, adding that Sylva and his wife were both out of the country at the time of the raid.
“His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was in the United Kingdom for routine medical checks and is scheduled to proceed to Malaysia to attend a professional conference,” Bokoru said.
He explained that he had received several calls from journalists and political associates over claims that Sylva had fled the country in connection with the alleged coup, stressing that such reports were false.
“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,” Bokoru said.