Who is Timipre Sylva?

Timipre Marlin Sylva is a Nigerian politician who held the position of Minister of State for Petroleum Resources in Nigeria from 2019 to 2023. Before that role, he served as the governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012.

In October 2023, a Federal high court in Abuja ruled that Timipre Sylva, cannot participate in the November 11 Governorship election in Bayelsa state. He was supposedly the All-Progressive Congress, APC Governorship candidate.

This decision was made because Sylva had already served as governor for two terms, where he ruled for a total of 5 years. They stated that allowing him to run again would violate the 1999 constitution by extending his time in office to more than eight years.

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Timipre Sylva’s Early Life and Education

He was born July 7, 1964, in Okpoama-Brass, Bayelsa. However, it was previously a part of Rivers State before Bayelsa State’s creation in 1996. He received his education in both Bayelsa and Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria.

During the 1990s, he served as a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English (Linguistics) from the University of Port Harcourt in 1986 with outstanding performance. He stood out as the top student in his department and served as the departmental valedictorian.

In 2011, he was honored with an honorary Doctorate in International Relations by UBIS University. On December 2, 2020, he received another honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from AiPA (African Institute of Public Administration), Leading Edge Foundation, and LBBS.

Timipre Sylva’s Career

In 1992, Timipre embarked on his political journey by securing a position in the House of Assembly. He represented the Brass constituency in the former Rivers State. Notably, he held the distinction of being the youngest member among all those serving in the House of Assembly at that time.

His political journey progressed as he assumed the role of Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Petroleum in 2004. Serving under Dr. Edmund Daukoru, he maintained this position until he decided to step down. Afterward, he entered the PDP Governorship primaries in Bayelsa State in 2006.

He secured the second position, with Dr. Goodluck Jonathan leading the way. The PDP’s Governorship candidate position became available after Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was chosen as the running mate to the late Umaru Yar’Adua.

His rival in the 2007 election, Ebitimi Amgbare from the Action Congress, pursued a legal challenge against his victory. Despite the Bayelsa State Election Petitions Tribunal confirming his election, Amgbare escalated the matter to the Appeal Court in Port Harcourt.

On April 15, 2008, they reversed the Tribunal’s ruling and invalidated Sylva’s election. Speaker Werinipre Seibarugo was sworn in as the acting Governor, with a new election scheduled to take place within three months. A fresh election took place on May 24, 2008, and Timipre, once more representing the PDP, won. He was sworn in for a new term on May 27, 2008. Expressing his intention to establish an inclusive unity government.

However, on January 27, 2012, the Supreme Court terminated his tenure. An acting governor was placed to oversee the state until the February 2012 election. Timipre’s political journey continued when President Buhari appointed him as the Nigerian Cabinet Minister of State for Petroleum  Resources on August 21, 2019.

Timipre Sylva’s Personal Life

He is currently married to Alanyingi Sylva with three children.

Timipre Sylva’s Net Worth

The Nigerian Politician has an estimated net worth of $5m – $6m

FAQs

How old is Timipre Sylva?

He was born on July 7, 1964, and is currently 59 as of October 2023.

Where is Timipre Sylva from?

He hails from Okpoama-brass, Bayelsa which was previously a part of Rivers State.

Is Timipre Sylva married?

He is married to Alanyingi Sylva and their union is blessed with three children.

Why was Timipre Sylva disqualified from Bayelsa’s Governorship election?

The court stated that allowing him to run again would violate the 1999 constitution by extending his time in office to more than eight years.

What is Timipre Sylva’s Net Worth?

The Nigerian Politician has an estimated net worth of $5m – $6m.

Conclusion

I hope you found this article helpful, you might also be interested in this article on Drambi Vandi.

Thanks for reading.