occasion
was the public wedding reception of a daughter of
another former governor, Peter Odili. A security source told Sahara Reporters
both the security and protocol of the President were taken aback by Mr. Sylva’s
action, as he approached the high table while the president was already seated
with other guests, however, they claimed they knew the president was not in any
danger.
A
source close to Mr. Sylva said he only went to greet his next-door neighbor and
celebrant, Mr. Odili and that he (Sylva) used that opportunity to say ” hello ”
to the President as a form of courtesy. ” It was a chance meeting between the
two, there is no reason to impute any motive, when Mr. President asked Sylva how
he was doing he said he was still alive and left to his seat afterwards, ” said
the source that witnessed the incident.
Sylva,
the former governor of Bayelsa State, is facing corruption charges initiated by
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Mr.
Sylva has repeatedly stated that his trial was motivated by his political
disagreements with Mr. Jonathan. He was prevented from running for a second term
in office by Mr. Jonathan, who then imposed upon the state as governor, his
protege, Seriake Dickson.
Political
observers say that today’s event also reflects the intricate connections between
power and corruption in Nigeria. Odili is widely-known to have looted the
resources of Rivers State during his tenure as governor, but has never been
prosecuted because of a perpetual injunction he obtained for
self-protection.
Although
all of that information must be in the hands of President Jonathan, who claims
to be fighting corruption, he chose to publicly take a seat at a wedding funded
by proceeds of corruption.
Source: Sahara Reporters
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