I Cannot Believe That Diri Would Harass Me Over A Matter As Serious As The Nationwide Protests – Timipre Sylva

Former Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has berated the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri for accusing him of sponsoring the planned nationwide protests.

Speaking via a statement on Tuesday, Sylva denied being involved in the planned protest, adding that he had rather spoken against it when he advised aggrieved youth to be patient with President Bola Tinubu.

He wondered why the governor would harass him over a matter as sensitive as the nationwide protests.

According to him,“I shudder in disbelief” to hear the governor accusing “me falsely” during a “security Council” meeting of being behind the planned protests.”

The protests, which the organisers continue to insist would be held on Thursday, is against bad governance and hardship.

On his part, Sylva had earlier called for calm and time to enable President Bola Tinubu to tackle the issues raised by aggrieved Nigerians.

He wondered why the Bayelsa governor would link him to the protest.

According to him, “If anyone were to protest against bad governance in Bayelsa state, it would not be against President Tinubu but against Governor Diri. In spite of that, I believe that protests are mostly counterproductive. And I will never encourage them.

“Just a day before his statement, I had asked our youths to shelve the protest and give more time to President Tinubu. Prior to that, I had spoken to youth leaders in and around Bayelsa State, on phone and in person, on the need to give the president more time as he is working tirelessly to better our lot.

“My statement was extensively published and well received and I strongly believe it got to the hearts of millions of our youths nationwide

“Waking up to Gov Diri’s wild and vile accusations that I am in fact supporting #endbadgovernance and hunger protest is nothing but a political culture-shock of sorts to me.

“Hardly can I fathom the fact that Gov Diri would politicise such a serious matter and openly harass me, and churn out such irresponsible, insensitive and divisive rhetoric.

“The state government feels there is great wisdom in linking me with a certain Ebideke Atuwo, a Chap I do not know. On investigation, the chap is from Ekeremor. Same place as Senator Lokpobiri.

“If the link with me is because he is a ‘member’ of the APC, then I dare remind Gov Diri that the Hon the Minister of State (Oil) is also a ‘member’ of APC too.

“Instead of trading accusations and rocking the boat, at this critical time, let us join hands together as leaders of our people to give them hope.”