By EgbemaVoice
The Congress of Concerned Niger Delta Youth Leaders has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what they describe as the alleged political victimization and persecution of former Bayelsa State Governor and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva.
In a joint statement released after a meeting of youth leaders from across the Niger Delta, the group appealed to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to carefully review the circumstances surrounding the recent actions taken by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the former minister.
Chief Sylva was recently declared wanted by the EFCC over alleged diversion of more than $14 million linked to the Atlantic Refinery project in Brass, Bayelsa State. The allegations also involve former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote.
The statement, signed by Mr. Wheli Goodluck, Barr. Osadolo Akhere, Mr. Oboshenure Calistus, Comr. Oyinbrakemi Tamunokari, Comr. George Josiah, and Comr. Kirikobo Tonteremie, highlighted Sylva’s strong political support for President Tinubu during the last election cycle. They recalled how he mobilized support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a largely PDP-dominated Bayelsa State and questioned why he is now facing what they described as a “witch-hunt.”
According to the group, the shifting nature of the allegations raises concerns. “At first, they accused him of attempting a forcible change of government. His home and business were raided, and he was labelled a fugitive. Before Nigerians could understand those claims, another allegation of criminal misappropriation suddenly surfaced,” the statement read.
They further argued that Niger Delta leaders, especially Ijaws who hold the office of Minister of Petroleum, have a history of being targeted.
The youth leaders called on anti-graft agencies to maintain professionalism and resist any political influence, noting that many people in the region believe Sylva’s current ordeal may have political undertones. They urged the agencies to resolve all pending matters swiftly and transparently.
They also appealed to President Tinubu to ensure there are no hidden political motives aimed at ending Sylva’s political career, stressing that internal divisions within the Niger Delta often contribute to such outcomes.
The statement ended with a call for unity, warning that the region must stop the pattern of internal sabotage. “It is difficult to find Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, Tiv, or Kanuri people trying to destroy their own. But among Ijaws, Ikweres, Edos, Urhobos, Itsekiris, and Igbos, pulling each other down has become common,” the group lamented.
NigerDelta Insider
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