Sylva’s Aide Confirms Military Stormed Residence, Denies Coup Plot Complicity
Chief Julius Bokoru, the media aide to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has issued a strong rebuttal of his principal’s involvement in any attempt to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.
The statement comes after reports indicated that military operatives had raided Sylva’s residences in Abuja and Bayelsa, resulting in the arrest of his brother.
Bokoru confirmed that a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters was carried out on Sylva’s residence, resulting in “considerable damage.” However, he stated that the officers did not provide any categorical reason or authorization for their actions.
Bokoru unequivocally rejected all rumors linking Sylva to a coup plot, stressing that the former governor is an “unrepentant and thoroughbred democrat” whose political career has been defined by his faith in democratic processes.
> “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,” the aide asserted.
Addressing reports that Sylva had “fled” the country, Bokoru confirmed that both Chief Sylva and his wife were outside the country at the time of the incident. He explained their absence, stating that Sylva was in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up and was scheduled to proceed to Malaysia to attend a professional conference.
Bokoru attributed the “sickening” reports and the alleged raid to “desperate and narcissistic politicians” consumed by ambitions for the 2027 elections.
He claimed these individuals view Sylva as their “last real obstacle” due to his “intimidating political presence and credibility.”
He reinforced Sylva’s loyalty to the current administration, recalling that the former Minister recently mobilized the entire All Progressives Congress (APC) structure in Bayelsa to unanimously endorse President Tinubu.
