Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, has debunked claims linking him to an alleged coup plot.
He described the report as false, malicious, and politically driven.
The allegation originated from an online publication by SaharaReporters, which claimed that some political actors were plotting to destabilise the country.
Sylva, however, firmly rejected the report, insisting it was a calculated attempt to smear his name and create unnecessary tension.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has also dismissed the claim, stating that there is no evidence of any coup attempt or plan to overthrow the government.
In a statement issued by Sylva Staunch Supporters (Powered by CPO), the group condemned the publications and questioned the motives behind SaharaReporters’ continued reportage of the alleged coup story despite official military clarification.
“It begs the question: Is SaharaReporters now the official news outlet of the military, or does it have another agenda?” the group stated.
It said: “The persistence in pushing a debunked narrative is becoming increasingly embarrassing.”
The group further highlighted Sylva’s record as a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his consistent support for the President’s administration, particularly during the recent re-election efforts in Bayelsa State.
They cautioned media outlets against spreading unverified information that could destabilise the nation or tarnish reputations.
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It urged journalists to uphold ethical standards and prioritise fact-checking over sensationalism.
“The public deserves accurate and unbiased information,” the statement added. “Media organisations must act responsibly and verify their claims before publication.”
The supporters argued that the timing and tone of the SaharaReporters publications suggested an attempt to discredit both Sylva and the current administration, warning that such reports risked eroding public trust in the media.
“By spreading falsehoods and misinformation, SaharaReporters is not only damaging reputations but also contributing to the erosion of trust in national institutions,” the group said.
The statement concluded with a call for all stakeholders to condemn irresponsible journalism and safeguard the country’s democratic stability. [Platinum Post]
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