By John ODHE, YENAGOA
The immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva has just lost his immediate Elder brother, late Johnbull Anagha Sylva.
This is coming as the former governor of Bayelsa State is currently on exile following accusation of coup sponsorship which is now hanging on his neck like the “Sword of Damocles.”
Sylva’s media aide, Mr. Julius Bokoru, in a statement , announced the death Anagha Sylva on Wednesday.
The statement reads thus: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Late Chief Johnbull Anagha Sylva, immediate elder brother to His Excellency, Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva.
“The 3-day Duwei Wari (Canopy Standing) in his honour will commence today, Wednesday, 6th May 2026.”
The former minister was last seen in Nigeria mid last year after which his media aide, Bokoru announced that Sylva, who left with his wife, Alayingi Sylva, was on a trip out of the country to take care of an undisclosed health issue.
Shortly after his departure, news of a failed coup broke out with Sylva’s name on the list as alleged co-sponsor of the foiled plot to overthrow the civilian government of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
But his media aide, Bokoru quickly exempted his boss from taking part in the said coup, describing him as a lover of democracy who would not play any role to jeopardize same.
Meanwhile, the former minister is now amongst those being tried by the Nigerian Army including military officers for allegedly attempting to topple a democratically elected government.
It is being adduced in some quarters that the demise of his immediate elder brother would be a great concern to the Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area born politician in the sense that if he were to be around, he would have played some key roles towards saving his brother’s life.
Some also believe that Sylva’s long absence, not as a free traveller but one on the wanted list of the federal government, may have affected his elder brother psychologically and health-wise, leading to his passing.
