JUST IN: Sylva Reacts to Alleged Coup Financing Claims

Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has denied any involvement in an alleged coup plot, describing the rumour as the handiwork of desperate politicians seeking to tarnish his image ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, made the clarification in a statement on Wednesday, saying the former Bayelsa governor remains a committed democrat and loyal supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Bokoru dismissed the coup allegation as “a sickening act of desperation” by politicians who see Sylva as a major obstacle to their ambitions. He said such individuals are intimidated by Sylva’s “intimidating political presence and credibility,” which continue to expose their selfish motives.

He confirmed that Sylva’s Abuja residence was recently raided by persons believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters, adding that the incident caused significant damage to the property. According to him, the operatives offered no explanation for their actions and did not disclose who authorised the operation.

The media aide clarified that Sylva and his wife were not in the country at the time of the raid. He said the former minister was in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up and was expected to travel to Malaysia for a professional conference.

Bokoru described as false reports that Sylva had fled the country over the alleged coup, stressing that the Defence Headquarters had already debunked any talk of a plot against the government. He said Sylva had no connection whatsoever with any such claims, either in planning or logistics.

“Chief Sylva is a thoroughbred democrat whose political journey has always been defined by faith in democratic processes,” Bokoru said. “From his days in the old Rivers State House of Assembly to his time as Governor of Bayelsa State, every achievement has come through transparent and lawful means.”

He reaffirmed Sylva’s support for President Tinubu, recalling that the former minister mobilised the entire structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa to endorse the President at a recent stakeholders’ meeting.

Bokoru urged the public to disregard what he described as politically motivated rumours aimed at undermining Sylva’s reputation, insisting that the former minister remains focused on contributing to national development and strengthening democracy in Nigeria.