Sylva Denies Using NDDC, IOC’s Money To Sponsor Bayelsa Election

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has dismissed reports that he used money from the International Oil Companies (IOCs), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) or other agencies to sponsor the Bayelsa Governorship Election.

Naija News reports that Coalition for Transparency and Democratic Leadership had accused the former Bayelsa State governor of purportedly acquiring a certain facility for the conduct of the election.

They called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the alleged $30million used by the All Progressive Congress (APC) during the 2019 Bayelsa gubernatorial election.

Reacting to the allegation, Julius Bokoru, the Special Assistant on Media and public affairs to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva, asked the group to produce evidence to back their claim.

He urged reporters to always verify their stories before going to press.

Bokoru said, “investigation further revealed that the purported leader of the group doesn’t seem to have any digital footprint save for publications that seem to suggest he was arrested by the EFCC for claiming to be a prophet and duping a victim the sum of 2.6 million naira.”

“It is shocking this story did not end at gossip blogs, where all unfounded, malicious and obviously fabricated story belong”, he added.