The political climate in Bayelsa State has recently been tense, particularly following the tragic death of George Sibo, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent. Governor Douye Diri has made a strong commitment to seek justice for the incident, which occurred at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre in Brass Local Government Area on November 12, 2023.
Governor Diri has alleged that Sibo, a 31-year-old party agent, was killed in an altercation involving members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The confrontation was reportedly led by Chief Timipre Sylva, the APC candidate in the November 11 governorship election, who, along with his entourage, allegedly invaded the collation centre and held INEC officials hostage.
Speaking at Sibo’s burial in Twon-Brass, Governor Diri expressed his profound grief over the loss and assured the public that his administration would ensure those responsible are held accountable. He directed the state Attorney-General to initiate legal proceedings against Chief Sylva and others involved in the invasion of the collation centre.
The governor stated, “There are a lot of questions to answer. What was the candidate of the APC, Chief Timipre Sylva, doing at the collation centre in Twon-Brass a day after the election? Why did he go there with the large crowd that led to the killing of this young man?” Governor Diri emphasized the importance of an autopsy to determine the cause of death and reiterated his directive to the Attorney-General to pursue legal action against those responsible.
Governor Diri further highlighted his restraint as the chief security officer of Bayelsa State. Despite provocations from the APC candidate, who he claimed hindered the PDP’s campaign efforts in Nembe-Bassambiri, the governor chose not to escalate the situation to avoid further violence and potential loss of innocent lives. He described Sibo as a hero who died in defense of democracy, stating, “I came here to mourn with you as we inter a promising young man of our state and of Brass kingdom.”
In a move to support the family of the deceased, Governor Diri announced the immediate employment of Sibo’s two wives within the state civil service, ensuring the state could help provide for their children.
Meanwhile, Chief Timipre Sylva, a former Minister of State for Petroleum, responded vehemently to Governor Diri’s accusations and legal threats. Sylva condemned the governor’s directive to the Attorney-General as a desperate and diversionary tactic aimed at distracting from the ongoing legal battle over the governorship election results.
Sylva asserted that the governor’s accusations were unfounded and part of a broader strategy to undermine his and the APC’s focus on their case at the Appeal Court. He criticized Governor Diri for abandoning what he described as a fabricated EFCC case and resorting to new allegations to hinder his campaign.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant for Media, Julius Bokoru, Sylva maintained his innocence regarding Sibo’s death, describing the young man as an illustrious and promising youth. He urged the public to dismiss the governor’s claims, declaring that nothing would deter him from reclaiming what he believes to be his stolen mandate.
The clash between these two prominent figures in Bayelsa politics underscores the heightened tensions and ongoing disputes following the recent election. As the state moves forward, the legal battles and political maneuvers will likely continue to shape the landscape of Bayelsa’s governance and its commitment to justice and democracy.
