The Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) in Bayelsa State, yesterday, criticised the statement credited to Governor Seriake Dickson, directing the body and support groups to leave the state.

According to its Director of Publicity for Bayelsa, Nathan Egba, in a statement, TAN noted that the directive was regrettable.

“TAN in Bayelsa is 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,” TAN said.

Mr. Dickson had, on Friday, ordered TAN, to leave the state and cease campaigning for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election, in what appeared a battle between Mr. Dickson and loyalists of the president’s wife, who are in charge of the organisation in Bayelsa State.

TAN had for several months staged massive rallies in support of Mr. Jonathan long before the formal kick-off of electioneering in the country. At the time, the group claimed it was campaigning to convince Mr. Jonathan to seek re-election.

In a press statement Friday signed by his spokesperson, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Governor Dickson said the activities of TAN had outlived their usefulness.

He also added that TAN, and some members of its top hierarchy, had become tools of subversion, creating needless rancour, acrimony and divisions, stressing that the government and the PDP in the state would no longer tolerate their actions.

The governor noted that the activities of TAN and the other groups, if not checked, could be counter-productive, especially with the presidential and other elections, only few weeks away.

Adapted from Newswatch Times