The media aide to former Bayelsa State Governor and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has strongly refuted reports suggesting that the ex-minister fled Nigeria amid ongoing investigations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 29, 2025, Julius Bokoru, Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to Chief Sylva, described the claims as “false, malicious, and politically motivated,” insisting that his principal is currently abroad for a routine medical check-up and a professional engagement.
Raid on Sylva’s Residence Confirmed, Motive Unknown
Bokoru confirmed that operatives believed to be from the Defence Headquarters recently raided Sylva’s residence, causing “considerable damage” to the property. However, he clarified that neither the reason for the operation nor the authority behind it had been officially communicated.
“Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. The officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently,” Bokoru stated.
He further clarified that both Chief Timipre Sylva and his wife, Her Excellency, Alanyingi Sylva, were outside the country during the raid.
Akahi News gathered that Sylva is currently in the United Kingdom for a medical check-up and is expected to travel to Malaysia for a professional conference thereafter.
No Link to Alleged Coup Rumours
Addressing circulating social media claims linking Sylva to alleged coup plots, Bokoru described the speculation as baseless and damaging.
“While the Defence Headquarters has already debunked the swirling rumours of a coup in Nigeria, it is important to state emphatically that Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, has no involvement whatsoever—either in planning or in logistics—with any such plot,” he said.
He stressed that Sylva’s political career has always been rooted in democratic principles and lawful engagement, noting that from his days in the Old Rivers State House of Assembly in the 1990s to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, the former minister has consistently upheld constitutional values.
‘Sylva Remains a Loyal Democrat and Tinubu Ally’
Bokoru reiterated Sylva’s unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his continued commitment to democratic governance.
“It remains fresh in memory how he mobilised the entire Bayelsa APC structure to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the APC Bayelsa Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting,” he stated.
He accused unnamed political figures of orchestrating the smear campaign to discredit Sylva ahead of the 2027 political season, describing them as “desperate and narcissistic politicians consumed by ambition.”
“These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of desperate politicians who see Sylva as their last real obstacle — a man whose political presence and credibility continue to expose their dark, self-serving ambitions,” Bokoru added.
Political Context and Public Reaction
Akahi News learnt that the alleged raid and subsequent misinformation have generated considerable public curiosity, with many calling for clarity from security authorities. Political observers say the controversy underscores growing tension within Bayelsa’s political circles, as various factions position themselves ahead of future elections.
Meanwhile, sources close to Sylva maintain that he will return to Nigeria upon completion of his engagements abroad, reaffirming his commitment to both his party and the nation.
Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org
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Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
