N660m Scam: Group Plans Anti-Sylva Protest In Abuja

The Bayelsa State chapter of Save Nigeria Group (SNG), has reaffirmed its determination to protest in Abuja to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest the former governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva for alleged misappropriation of state funds to the tune of N660million.

The Acting Co-ordinator of the group, Mr Tony Akange stated this during his official taking over of its leadership following the resignation of the former leader, Tony Ile who was recently appointed Senior Special Adviser to Governor Dickson on Civil Society Matters.

Speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa, Mr Akange said, “it is on record that Sylva embezzled the sum of N660million in four years and I can tell you categorically that the future of Bayelsa State has been mortgaged by Sylva and his cohorts.

It is on this note that members of Save Nigeria Group, Bayelsa State chapter is calling on the anti-corruption agency (EFCC) to expedite action in apprehending Sylva and his cohorts in order to recover the said looted funds of Bayelsa State.”

In his parting speech, Mr Tony Ile said “I am stepping down as the leader of the group following my appointment as SSA to the Governor on Civil Society. It is very sad but it is a call to tackle the enormous challenges faced by the state government.”

When contacted for comments on the serious allegations against Sylva, one of his former aides who chose to be anonymous said, “we know who their paymasters are, they are sponsored to smear the image of the former governor, but by God’s grace, they will not succeed”.

The Tide recalls that during the hey days of Chief Sylva, there was no love lost between him and SGN, leading to several arrests and detentions of many of its members.