Chief Julius Bokoru, media aide to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has vehemently denied his principal's involvement in any alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu. This strong rebuttal comes amidst reports of a military raid on Sylva's residences in Abuja and Bayelsa, during which his brother was reportedly arrested, intensifying political tensions in Nigeria.
Aide Dismisses Coup Allegations as Political Desperation
Responding to swirling rumors linking Sylva to a supposed coup plot, Bokoru asserted that certain "desperate politicians" were escalating their ambitions to a "sickening level." He attributed these allegations to Sylva's "intimidating political presence and credibility," suggesting they are a tactic to undermine him. Bokoru adamantly described the former governor as an "unrepentant and thoroughbred democrat" who has consistently demonstrated unwavering support for President Tinubu and his administration. He highlighted Sylva's recent mobilization of the entire All Progressives Congress (APC) structures in Bayelsa to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at an expanded APC stakeholders’ meeting, reinforcing his commitment to democratic processes.
Sylva's International Alibi and Unexplained Military Action
Bokoru confirmed that Sylva and his wife were out of the country when the raid on their homes occurred. He clarified that Sylva was in the United Kingdom for routine medical checks and was subsequently scheduled to travel to Malaysia to attend a professional conference. Despite the raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters, Bokoru stated that no reasons or authorization for their actions were provided, and significant damage was inflicted upon the property. This lack of explanation has further fueled speculation and calls for transparency regarding the military's operation.
Defence Headquarters Debunks Coup Rumors, Focus Shifts to 2027 Ambitions
While the Defence Headquarters has already officially debunked the widespread rumors of a coup in Nigeria, Bokoru emphatically reiterated that Chief Timipre Sylva has no involvement whatsoever, either in the planning or logistics of any such plot. He emphasized Sylva's long-standing political career, defined by his faith in democratic institutions and processes, from his early election into the Old Rivers State House of Assembly to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State. Bokoru concluded that the current rumors are merely "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." This statement points to intense political maneuvering ahead of future elections.