Timipre Sylva

**Timipre Marlin Sylva** (born July 7, 1964) is a Nigerian politician who has held significant positions in the governance of Nigeria, particularly in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and the federal government. He is recognized for his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State and later as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.Early Life and Education Timipre Sylva was born in Brass, in the Bayelsa East Senatorial District of Rivers State (now Bayelsa State), Nigeria. He obtained his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSC) from the Government Secondary School in Twon Brass, Bayelsa State. He later proceeded to the University of Port Harcourt, where he studied English Language and Literature, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Sylva continued his education by obtaining a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an honorary doctorate from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.Career Progression Sylva's political career began in the late 1990s. He started as a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly in 1999, representing the Brass constituency. During this period, he served as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, a role that positioned him as a notable figure in regional politics. In 2004, he was appointed as the Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Edmund Daukoru, serving until 2007.Governorship of Bayelsa State Sylva successfully contested and was elected as the Governor of Bayelsa State, taking office on May 29, 2007, under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His tenure as governor was marked by efforts in infrastructure development and attempts to stabilize the security situation in the state. However, his time in office was also characterized by political controversies and legal challenges regarding his election. His tenure officially ended in January 2012, after the Supreme Court nullified his election, leading to a rerun election.Major Achievements and Notable Works As governor, Sylva focused on initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in Bayelsa, particularly in areas like education and healthcare. After his governorship, Sylva remained active in national politics, eventually defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In August 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. In this role, he was instrumental in overseeing the nation's petroleum industry, implementing key reforms, and facilitating major legislative changes, notably the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021. The PIA marked a significant overhaul of the legal, governance, regulatory, and fiscal framework of the Nigerian petroleum industry. Under his leadership, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) transitioned into a limited liability company, NNPC Ltd.Current Status Timipre Sylva resigned from his ministerial position in March 2023 to pursue the gubernatorial ticket for Bayelsa State, which he secured as the APC candidate. In the November 2023 governorship election, he contested but was unsuccessful. Sylva remains a prominent elder statesman and a key figure in the All Progressives Congress, maintaining his influence in the Niger Delta region and national politics.