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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has called upon former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva to turn himself in for questioning regarding a targeted $14.86m fraud investigation.
Agency representative Dele Oyewale addressed journalists on Monday, telling reporters, “He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission,” in direct response to the politician’s claims that the anti-graft body functions as a political tool for the ruling party rather than an independent state entity.
Sylva officially severed ties with the All Progressives Congress on Monday, sending his resignation notice electronically to his local ward chairman while copying national leadership, state executives, and the EFCC.
The former petroleum minister explained that consulting closely with relatives, colleagues, and supporters pushed him toward abandoning what he characterized as a compromised political vessel heading toward inevitable ruin.
Furthermore, he explicitly accused the administration of failing the populace entirely while noting that the party leadership has completely abandoned its foundational principles.
Within his formal resignation document, Sylva stated, “As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the Party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.”
He added, “Moreover, I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a Party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics;’ and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice.”
He also noted, “The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp.”
Defending his decision to include the anti-corruption agency on his communication, Sylva warned about potential retaliation, writing, “I am deliberately putting the EFCC in copy of this letter because, of late, it has conducted itself more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State. I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take.”
Legal troubles have surrounded the former governor since late 2025 when investigators flagged him over multi-million dollar conversion claims, alongside ongoing multi-count federal charges tying him to a major alleged political conspiracy, though he maintains his innocence against all unproven allegations.
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