EFCC declaration of Sylva wanted sparks backlash as his aide alleges breach of protocol in the agency’s fraud notice.
The Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to Chief Timipre Sylva, Chief Julius Bokoru, on Monday criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after the EFCC issued a public EFCC declaration stating that the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources was wanted over an alleged 19.2 billion naira fraud.
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The EFCC published the announcement on its website and social media platforms, alleging that Chief Timipre Sylva was involved in a case of conspiracy, corruption and misappropriation of public funds.
The agency encouraged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact its offices nationwide or the nearest police station.
Chief Timipre Sylva, who previously served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and was the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, has faced corruption allegations in the past, all of which he has denied.
In his statement, Chief Julius Bokoru argued that the manner of the announcement was designed to inflame public sentiment against the former governor.
He said the EFCC failed to issue any formal invitation or correspondence before releasing what he described as an abrupt digital proclamation.
Chief Julius Bokoru suggested that what had once circulated as whispers of a coup concern had evolved without explanation into a financial accusation.
He attributed the shift to unknown individuals allegedly intent on criminalising Chief Timipre Sylva for political reasons, describing the sequence of allegations as a dramatic and coordinated offensive.
He likened the former minister’s ongoing challenges to the trials of Job, saying each accusation appeared with striking precision once another had been discredited.
According to him, these developments showed the determination of those who feared Chief Timipre Sylva’s political relevance.
Although he confirmed he had not been in direct communication with his principal, Chief Julius Bokoru said Chief Timipre Sylva would honour the EFCC invitation once he completed a medical examination in the United Kingdom.
He insisted that the refinery project referenced in the allegations was transparent, legitimate and supported by verifiable documentation.
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He added that the attempt to malign the former governor would ultimately fail, expressing confidence that the truth would outlast what he called a relentless campaign of defamation.
