In a statement issued in Yenagoa on Saturday and signed by Nathan Egba, TAN’s director of publicity, the political group said the governor’s directive was regrettable, adding that Mr. Dickson lacked the constitutional powers to enforce the ban on TAN’s activities in Bayelsa.
“We are shocked because we find it hard to understand how an elected governor of a state would make such a statement in a democratic setting, as we have in Nigeria,” TAN said in its press statement.
Mr. Egba continued, “There is nowhere in the Nigerian Constitution that gives any governor such powers. TAN in Bayelsa is, however, aware of plots by some over-zealous government officials to portray groups such as TAN, Women For Change Initiative and others in very bad light.
“These officials make it appear as if these groups are against the state government.
“We wish to re-assure Governor Henry Seriake Dickson that TAN is ready to co-operate with his government in carrying the message of President’s achievements and need for re-election to every nook and cranny of the state.”
TAN urged its members and supporters to remain resolute and focused in order to ensure Mr. Jonathan’s success in the presidential election scheduled for mid-February.
