Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has responded to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva’s denial of involvement in planned anti-government protests in the state. Diri accused Sylva of having a “guilty conscience.”
Sylva had denied being the mastermind behind the protests, claiming that Diri’s accusations were “madness.” He suggested that Diri, whose performance as governor has been criticized, should be held responsible for any protests.
The exchange began when Diri held a security meeting and stated that defeated politicians from the recent governorship election were behind the planned protests.
In a statement, Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, dismissed Sylva’s denial as “chameleonic,” claiming that only those unfamiliar with Sylva would believe his excuses....[CONTINUE READING HERE ▶▶]
“Sylva’s fuss about Governor Diri’s remarks… betrays one troubled by conscience,” Alabrah wrote. “How else does one explain Sylva’s diatribe when the Bayelsa governor did not as much as mention his name?”
Diri asserted that he had been engaging with various groups to prevent the protests from turning violent. He warned that intelligence reports indicated that the same individuals responsible for previous destruction in the state were planning to repeat their actions under the guise of protest.
“Governor Diri’s call is for reason to prevail and the protest shelved!” Alabrah concluded.