Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has dispelled rumours of infighting in the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria in the state.
Oshiomhole, who made the clarification on Wednesday when he addressed women leaders from across the three senatorial districts of the state in Benin City, said: “In every family, there are occasions when they quarrel among themselves.
“But when they finish the quarrel, they remain together.
“ACN is one and united family.
“All of us are committed to working together.
“Whatever argument you may have heard, those are evidence that this party is open and transparent.”
The governor, who said members of the party have a right to express themselves, added: “We have a right to argue, we have a right to debate, to context, to disagree or agree. That is why we are a democratic party.”
While urging the women to work for the unity of the party, the governor said: “In every local government you would hear different stories.
“But as mothers, you must bring the people together.
“Don’t join any faction because there is no end to it.
“Put your eyes on the ball. We want a state that is united, we want a government that delivers to the people.
“From Edo North to Edo Central to Edo South, ACN light is shining everywhere. Edo State can no longer be described as a backward state.
“My promise to you is that you will be proud anywhere to say you are an ACN member.
“I am anxious to avoid the mistakes of the past.
“We want to erect a name for ACN that when you tell people, you are ACN, they would not look at you with scorn.
“We are thinking everyday on what we can do differently to make the state and the party greater.”
The Woman Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria in the state, Mrs. Modino Emovon, said the women were at the meeting because the governor is their choice, adding: “We want to place on record our appreciation to you for the numerous people-oriented achievements of this government.
“We also want to thank you for the palliatives which you recently announced to cushion the effects of the recent fuel subsidy hike.”
She assured the governor of the women’s unalloyed support for the 2012 governorship election.