Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) in Bayelsa has expressed shock and disbelief at a statement credited to Governor Seriake Dickson, directing TAN and support groups should leave the state.In a statement issued in Yenagoa on Saturday, and signed by Chief Nathan Egba, Director of Publicity for Bayelsa, TAN noted that the directive was regrettable.
“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.
“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
Gov. Dickson
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 Mr. President’s achievements and need for re-election to every nook and cranny of the state,” TAN stated
It also urged its teeming members and supporters to remain resolute and focused to success at the polls as the Presidential election is less than a month from now.
But a release from the Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson said the state government over the weekend mobilized Bayelsans from all the local government areas to rally support for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s re-election bid in the February 14th, 2014, general elections, with a call on groups like TAN and others in Bayelsa State, putting up campaign structures for the President, other than the PDP, to take it to State, where the opposition is presently enjoying greater control.
While, urging TAN and other groups like it not to dissipate energy campaigning for President here in Bayelsa, the Governor, assured that, Bayelsa, being the home State of the President, will give the PDP bulk votes come February 14th, 2015 and subsequent elections in the Country.
Speaking during the inauguration of the 120 – member Bayelsa State Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Presidential Campaign Team/Flag off of Campaigns at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, Governor Dickson explained that, the 120 membership of the committee was constituted to effectively coordinate the activities of the election of President Jonathan.
He said members of the committee should consider it as a rare privilege and an opportunity to serve on a committee, that would coordinate the campaign activities of a President, that is one of their own and enjoined them to work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in them.
His words: “It is my singular honour and privilege to appreciate members and leaders of our party, who willingly accepted to serve in this important and historic assignment. It is historic, because it is not every day, that you get to work on a committee that will coordinate the election of one of your own, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
“It is important, because our nation and our people are at a turning point and we need to get him re-elected to finish the job, that he has started. And, it is for that reason that, we have composed the state Presidential campaign team, that will be chaired by me.
“Let me appreciate our party for always standing by us. Our party is the only platform that is not founded on the Frontlines of our nation. There are some other parties, that are founded on ethnic and religious calculations.
“Our party is an all-inclusive umbrella body, that has space for all Nigerians; the so called majority and the so called minority.
While, urging TAN and other groups like it not to dissipate energy campaigning for President here in Bayelsa, the Governor, assured that, Bayelsa, being the home State of the President, will give the PDP bulk votes come February 14th, 2015 and subsequent elections in the Country.
Speaking during the inauguration of the 120 – member Bayelsa State Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Presidential Campaign Team/Flag off of Campaigns at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, Governor Dickson explained that, the 120 membership of the committee was constituted to effectively coordinate the activities of the election of President Jonathan.
He said members of the committee should consider it as a rare privilege and an opportunity to serve on a committee, that would coordinate the campaign activities of a President, that is one of their own and enjoined them to work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in them.
His words: “It is my singular honour and privilege to appreciate members and leaders of our party, who willingly accepted to serve in this important and historic assignment. It is historic, because it is not every day, that you get to work on a committee that will coordinate the election of one of your own, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
“It is important, because our nation and our people are at a turning point and we need to get him re-elected to finish the job, that he has started. And, it is for that reason that, we have composed the state Presidential campaign team, that will be chaired by me.
“Let me appreciate our party for always standing by us. Our party is the only platform that is not founded on the Frontlines of our nation. There are some other parties, that are founded on ethnic and religious calculations.
“Our party is an all-inclusive umbrella body, that has space for all Nigerians; the so called majority and the so called minority.
Describing Bayelsa State as the home base of the PDP, the Governor emphasized the need for Bayelsans to work with unity of purpose and shun any form of divisive tendencies and violence capable of tarnishing the image of the state.”
Governor Dickson, who said the state was looking forward to playing host to Nigerians on the 5th of next month, when President Jonathan is expected to visit for his presidential campaign, noted that, the occasion would be a homecoming to the President, as he is a son of the state.
While thanking Nigerians for their support for the President, in the midst of daunting challenges, he urged them to give Dr. Jonathan their mandate for a second term to enable him finish the good works he has started.
In their goodwill messages, Chairman of the Bayelsa State PDP, Col. Sam Inokoba (rtd), Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson and the various speakers representing the 3 senatorial districts of the State, called for the re-election of President Jonathan, given his track record of achievements over the years.
Other members of the committee are, the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), who will serve as Deputy Chairman, Col. Sam Inokoba, (rtd), 2nd Deputy Chairman, while Hon. Fyneman Wilson is the Campaign Coordinator.
Also, King Amalate Turner, former Deputy Governor, Peremobowei Ebebi and Chief Timi Alaibe are to serve as Senatorial Campaign Coordinators.
The Highpoint of the event was the presentation of the PDP flags by Governor Dickson to the state and national assembly candidates of the party.
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