The former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has criticized Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for calling for his prosecution in connection with the death of George Sibo during the last governorship election.
Sylva responded to Governor Diri's directive at the burial of George Sibo in Twon-Brass on Thursday, where Diri instructed the state Attorney-General to initiate legal action against Sylva and those who allegedly stormed the collation center.
Diri claimed that 31-year-old George Sibo was killed when Timipre Sylva, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 11 governorship poll, led his party members and supporters to invade the collation center and held INEC officials hostage.
Expressing sadness over the young man's death, Diri promised that the state government would ensure that the culprits are brought to justice.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Media, Julius Bokoru, Sylva denounced Diri's directive, viewing it as a desperate attempt to divert attention from his case at the Appeal Court.
Sylva's statement stated: "Chief Sylva is perplexed by Diri’s apparent desperation. It is evident that this recent effort is merely a symptom of fear. Shortly after Diri attempted to conjure up a phantom EFCC case against Sylva, he has now resorted to a new method of distraction, which, of course, is baseless."
"Sylva had no involvement in the murder of George Sibo, a promising youth of the state. It is crucial to note that at the time of the young man's death, Sylva was nowhere near the scene."
The statement accused Diri of using significant amounts of taxpayers' money on propaganda to divert Sylva's focus from his case.
"It is evident that this is an act of fear and anxiety, or perhaps a deeply biased mindset," the statement added.
The statement also emphasized Sylva's commitment, along with concerned Bayelsans and the APC, to legally reclaim the allegedly stolen mandate. It asserted that until justice is served, Diri's governorship remains illegitimate in the eyes of sincere Bayelsans and individuals of goodwill.
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