Sylva’s Aide Critiques Media Reports on Coup Allegations

Chief Julius Bokoru, the Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to Chief Timipre Sylva, the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, issued a statement on Friday addressing media reports that linked Sylva to an alleged coup plot. Bokoru criticized the nature of these reports, suggesting they have evolved beyond standard investigative journalism and appear to promote a specific narrative against Sylva.

He noted that he had not contacted Sylva since the controversy began but emphasized that his comments were not an attack on journalism. Bokoru urged journalists to scrutinize the sources of their information, questioning the origins and timing of the materials used in these reports.

He stated that allegations should not be presented as established facts and insisted that guilt can only be determined through legal processes. Bokoru expressed concern that the ongoing publication of these allegations could lead to a trial by public opinion, lacking formal evidence testing.