Former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has criticized Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri for ordering his prosecution over the death of George Sibo during the November 11 governorship election.
Governor Diri made the directive at Sibo's burial in Twon-Brass, alleging that Sylva, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, led an invasion of the collation centre and held INEC officials hostage, resulting in Sibo's death.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Julius Bokoru, Sylva accused Governor Diri of using diversionary tactics and distractions to undermine his case at the Appeal Court.
Sylva claimed that he was not present on the island when Sibo was killed and that the governor's actions were driven by fear and anxiety.
"It is clear that this is fear, anxiety and everything to distract Chief Sylva after his attempt to bring up EFCC issues failed in the wake of a long and relentless string of propaganda against Chief Sylva with taxpayers monies," the statement said.
Sylva also alleged that Governor Diri had spent huge amounts of taxpayers' money on propaganda to distract him from pursuing his stolen mandate.
He insisted that the governor's actions were aimed at undermining the legitimacy of his governorship in the minds of Bayelsans and people of goodwill.
The statement concluded by reiterating Sylva's commitment to recovering the stolen mandate through legal means, stating that until justice is done, Governor Diri's governorship remains illegitimate.
The clash between Sylva and Governor Diri highlights the ongoing tensions and political rivalries in Bayelsa State, particularly in the aftermath of the controversial governorship election.
