Amanze Chinonye
Media aide to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for declaring the ex-Bayelsa State governor wanted, describing the move as a politically driven attempt to tarnish his reputation.
In a statement issued late Monday, Julius Bokoru, Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, said the EFCC’s announcement, shared on its website and social media platforms did not follow established procedures.
He said the former minister received no formal notification before the public declaration.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“The EFCC on Monday announced via social media that it had declared Chief Timipre Sylva wanted. No formal communication was extended to him, no established protocol observed only a sudden digital proclamation designed, it would seem, to inflame public sentiment,” he said.
The EFCC had earlier declared Sylva wanted over allegations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14.86 million funds invested by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Ltd for a refinery project.
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos issued an arrest warrant on November 6, authorising law enforcement agencies to produce him before EFCC investigators.
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In a separate public notice, the Commission also referenced allegations of corruption and misappropriation of ₦19.2 billion, urging citizens with information on Sylva’s whereabouts to contact its offices nationwide or report to the nearest police station.
Bokoru dismissed the EFCC’sEFCC’s disclosures as part of what he described as a “coordinated and calculated political onslaught” targeted at undermining Sylva. He claimed allegations initially whispered as a “coup matter” had now morphed into a financial case – evidence, he said, of “unknown forces” determined to criminalise the former minister.
“It is curious that what was once whispered as a ‘coup matter’ has now metamorphosed into a financial allegation. These are the deliberate machinations of those who dread Sylva’s enduring political relevance,” he said, likening Sylva’s recent ordeals to the biblical trials of Job.
Bokoru added that the refinery project referenced by the EFCC was a legitimate, fully documented undertaking and insisted that Sylva would honour the Commission’s invitation once he completes an ongoing medical check-up in the United Kingdom.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
