Sylva’s aide faults reports linking ex-minister to coup plot

Chief Julius Bokoru, the special assistant to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva, has criticized recent reports suggesting a link between Sylva and an alleged coup plot. In a statement, Bokoru questioned the pattern of media coverage, stating that it appeared to reinforce a specific narrative against Sylva.

He emphasized that his remarks were not an attack on investigative journalism but rather a call for journalists to scrutinize the sources and methods behind the information they receive. Bokoru expressed concern that the media was serializing, repackaging, and amplifying the allegations in a manner that gave the impression of a deliberate campaign to shape public opinion.

He questioned the source and timing of the materials reported in the media, asking where they originated and who provided them. Bokoru emphasized that allegations should not be presented as established facts until proven in court and that guilt could only be determined through due legal process. He urged media organizations to allow any evidence against Sylva to be properly tested before publication and acknowledged that Nigerian journalism has a responsibility to remain independent, regardless of the identity or influence of its sources.

Bokoru warned against allowing repetition of an allegation to become proof and called on media organizations to maintain their independence and pursue the truth without becoming influenced by any political, governmental, or security narratives.