Timipre Sylva

Timipre Marlin Sylva, born on July 7, 1964, in Brass, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, is a notable politician who served as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources from 2019 to 2023 and as the Governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012.

Early Life and Education

Sylva’s early education was in Bayelsa and Lagos. He later attended the University of Port Harcourt, graduating in 1986 with distinction in English (Linguistics) and being the best graduating student in his department. He was awarded a Doctorate in International Relations (Honoris Causa) by UBIS University in 2011 and another Doctorate in Public Administration by the African Institute of Public Administration in 2020.

Political Career

Sylva’s political career began in 1992, representing Brass constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly. In 2004, he was appointed Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Petroleum. In 2006, he joined the PDP gubernatorial primaries in Bayelsa State, eventually becoming the PDP gubernatorial candidate after Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s vice-presidential nomination. As a PDP candidate, Sylva won the 2007 Bayelsa State gubernatorial election. His victory was legally challenged but was later upheld, leading to his re-election in 2008. His tenure as Governor ended in 2012 following a Supreme Court ruling. In August 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

Corruption Allegations

In August 2021, Sylva faced allegations of facilitating bribery in relation to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Reports indicated significant sums being paid to legislators, with Sylva and Senator Bassey Albert Akpan implicated in organizing these payments. However, these allegations remain unconfirmed, and Sylva, along with other accused parties, did not comment on the matter.

Award and Recognition

In October 2022, Sylva was honored with the Nigerian national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Muhammadu Buhari, recognizing his contributions to Nigerian politics and the petroleum sector.

Conclusion

Timipre Marlin Sylva’s career has been marked by significant political roles and contributions, particularly in the petroleum sector. Despite facing allegations of corruption, his tenure as both Governor of Bayelsa State and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources highlights his influence in Nigerian politics. His awards and recognitions reflect his impact and standing in the national political landscape.