Bayelsa: I Had No Hand In Protest At Odili’s Residence – Sylva To Wike

Following insinuations that Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timiepere Sylva, joined in a protest which was staged at the residence of Peter Odili in Abuja as regards the removal of David Lyon of Bayelsa State, the minister has come boldly to announced that he has no hand in the said protest.

Recall that the Supreme Court had sacked the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate in the Bayelsa State governorship election a few hours to his swearing, and declared Diri Douye, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party as the Governor of the state.

Reacting to the claims by River State Governor, Nyesom Wike, which says that Sylva was involved in the recent protest alongside APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, the petroleum minister stood his ground that he never had a connection with the protest as pictured.

He said “I returned on February 19, 2020, from an official engagement abroad to read Governor Wike’s statement: to the effect that Oshiomhole and I were responsible for protests in front of the Odili’s house.

“There is no truth in that strange claim. Wike should know in what high esteem I hold Dr Peter and Justice Mary Odili whom I have known and worked with long before Wike came into the picture. It will not occur to me to malign the person and image of people I hold up as role models.

He further stated that he hoped that Wike and his aides are not behind the protest with the intention of linking it to him and others.

He added, “What Wike is doing is akin to deciding a matter bordering on criminality by way of originating summons where the issues have not been investigated and the accused given an opportunity to defend himself. Why will a governor hasten to conclusions? If this is not adding salt to injury, what is it?

“I have been so numbed by the events of February 13, that I could not even contemplate any other course of action than to approach the Supreme Court again. I am a man of peace and would not support any action that can cause a breach of the peace.

“I have had several encounters with the Supreme Court since 2012. I have never, at any time, attempted to protest their judgment. You know how difficult it is for an old dog to learn new tricks. Why will I now?”