22nd December, 2010
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Tuesday, joined his Ekiti, Edo, Osun State counterparts, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Engineer Rauf Aregbesola and leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Alhaji Lam Adesina at the National Convention of the party where former Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande was given a fresh mandate as the National Chairman of the party.
Speaking at the carnival-like convention which took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City and had delegates and leaders of the party from the 36 States of the federation in attendance, Governor Fashola (SAN) said Nigerians are looking up to the ACN as the party of ideas and progressives which keeps its promises.
Said he: “This is the time to remain focused, to lead with our ideas, to lead with our leadership, to lead with our broom to clean the Augean stable of Nigeria. The Nigerian people are looking up to us as the party of ideas, as the party of the progressives and the party that keeps its promises.â€
Governor Fashola gave kudos to the founding fathers of the party for the growth in fame and fortunes which the very little seed they sowed in 2007 has germinated today. While welcoming all the delegates he thanked them for the peaceful conduct at the convention and also wished all the aspirants jostling to hold offices the very best of luck.
In his address, former Lagos State Governor and leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the ACN has started the process of construction of a great Nigeria. He said Nigerians would no longer tolerate violence and would also not accept electoral malpractices because from now on the party would sweep Nigeria clean of abuse of office.
Asiwaju Tinubu charged Nigerians to be ready to take their destiny in their hands by defending their votes because freedom will not be served a la carte, saying from January, everybody must ensure that they not only register to vote but that they mobilize their neighbours to do same. He accused the ruling People’s Democratic Party of impoverishing Nigerians by creating massive unemployment, stressing that it is a party that does not think of the character and capacity of the candidates it is touting.
In his goodwill message, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, said the fact that the party has two more governors in addition to what it had at the last convention is a tribute to hardwork and inspirational leadership provided by the party leaders.
