Sylva Aide Faults Reports Linking Ex-Minister to Coup

Special Assistant Julius Bokoru to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has raised concerns over the manner in which reports linking his principal to a coup plot have been consistently presented. In a statement released yesterday, Bokoru expressed worry that some coverage had reportedly framed the allegations in a way that could influence public opinion prior to the claims being substantiated through due legal process.

He noted that he had been unable to reach Chief Sylva since the controversy erupted, but emphasized that his remarks were not meant to discredit investigative journalism. Bokoru acknowledged the crucial role of the media in scrutinizing governmental actions and holding public officials accountable, but urged journalists and media organizations to meticulously examine the origins, timing, and methods behind the information they receive.

"What we are witnessing from some media organisations, especially Premium Times, has gone beyond ordinary reporting," Bokoru stated, adding that reports had been "serialised, repackaged and amplified" in a manner that seemed to reinforce a specific narrative. He questioned the source of materials allegedly forming the basis of certain reports and inquired why sensitive investigative documents were being released piece by piece.

However, Bokoru clarified that he was not suggesting any media organization was being funded by an individual or organization, stating he had no evidence to support such an allegation. According to him, the core issue was the need to differentiate between allegations contained in investigative materials and facts established through legal proceedings.

"There is also a fundamental distinction that should never be blurred: an allegation is not evidence; an investigator's theory is not a conviction; and a statement contained in an investigative file is not a judicial finding of guilt," Bokoru asserted. He urged authorities in possession of any evidence against Sylva, if available, to present it through the appropriate legal channels, while calling on media organizations to clearly label allegations as such.

Bokoru expressed concern that the continuous publication of unverified claims might lead the matter to be decided in the court of public opinion rather than through formal proceedings. He called for media independence and responsible reporting, urging journalists to scrutinize information regardless of the source's identity or influence.

"If the evidence is solid, publish it. If it is an allegation, call it an allegation. If it is a leaked narrative, tell the public that it is a leaked narrative," he said. Bokoru emphasized that repeated publication of an allegation should not be considered proof and urged the media to pursue the truth while preserving editorial independence.

"Nigeria deserves a fearless press. But a fearless press must also be an independent press," he concluded.