Former Bayelsa governor’s media aide questions anti-graft agency’s procedure
Julius Bokoru, the Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has strongly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for declaring his principal wanted.
Bokoru described the EFCC’s action as a “coordinated political onslaught” aimed at tarnishing Sylva’s reputation, alleging that due process was not followed in making the announcement public.
EFCC announcement raises questions
On Monday, the EFCC issued a public notice via its official social media handles declaring Timipre Sylva wanted in connection with an alleged case of “conspiracy and dishonest conversion” of $14,859,257 — funds reportedly invested by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a refinery in Bayelsa State.
The notice, which quickly went viral, came with Sylva’s photograph and a call for information about his whereabouts. However, Bokoru insists the agency’s decision to announce the development on social media before officially contacting the former minister shows procedural irregularity and potential political motivation.
Aide: ‘No formal communication was sent to Sylva’
In a statement released late Monday night, Bokoru said the EFCC failed to observe established communication protocols before publishing the notice.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday announced via social media that it had declared Chief Timipre Sylva wanted. No formal communication was extended to him, and no established protocol was observed,” Bokoru stated.
He further alleged that this is not the first time the anti-graft agency or political opponents have sought to “paint Sylva in a negative light”, suggesting that the repeated pattern points to a deliberate attempt to discredit the former minister’s public image.
‘Old claims, shifting narratives’
Bokoru also argued that the allegations against Sylva resemble earlier, unsubstantiated claims, which have reappeared under new contexts. He described the EFCC’s accusations as “shifting narratives” that should be properly investigated rather than sensationalized.
“Recent allegations against Chief Sylva are merely recycled versions of previous claims, repackaged to fit current political agendas. We are confident that, once examined, the facts will prove otherwise,” he said.
The statement emphasized that Chief Sylva remains committed to due process and lawful institutions and has no intention of evading the authorities. Bokoru revealed that the former governor is currently undergoing medical check-ups in the United Kingdom and would honour the EFCC’s invitation upon his return.
Refuting allegations around the refinery project
The aide maintained that the refinery project cited in the EFCC’s notice is a legitimate investment backed by proper documentation and transparent business practices.
He claimed that all financial activities related to the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited were executed in compliance with statutory guidelines and that evidence exists to support this claim.
“The refinery project is a legitimate undertaking, with all relevant documentation available for verification. This is not a shadow deal or a phantom project, as some are trying to portray it,” Bokoru asserted.
Call for calm and confidence in truth
In closing, Bokoru appealed for calm among Sylva’s supporters and the general public, urging them to remain confident in the truth and fairness of lawful processes.
“To our friends, allies, and well-wishers: this, too, shall pass. Truth, though often delayed, remains consistent. Those behind this campaign will not prevail,” he said.
He reiterated Sylva’s trust in the Nigerian judicial system and expressed optimism that justice would ultimately vindicate him.
Broader implications for Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight
Analysts note that the ongoing exchange between the EFCC and Timipre Sylva’s camp reflects a recurring tension between anti-corruption enforcement and political perception in Nigeria. While the EFCC insists it is executing its mandate without fear or favour, critics argue that timing and communication strategies often raise questions about political influence in high-profile cases.
Legal observers have called on both parties to allow due process and transparency to guide proceedings, reminding the public that every accused person remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
For now, the case of Timipre Sylva — once a powerful figure in Nigeria’s energy sector and Bayelsa politics — has reignited national conversations about accountability, fairness, and the credibility of public institutions in the country’s fight against corruption.
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