Senator Kolawole Teslim Folarin, the first three-term senator from the Pacesetters State, is also the APC gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State. He was recently featured on a live programme on Yes 101.7FM, anchored by Yemi Sonde.
He condemned the leadership of the incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde, whom he accused of promoting hooliganism in the state, and how his party is ready to rescue power from the PDP.
How did you attain the third term?
There were no shortcuts because of the internet’s influence; there is lots of negativity conspiring on social media. I am a grassroots politician, and the first thing in politics is recognition. I relate with people daily; I do not disassociate myself from the masses. I was taught to have a good beginning and end it well because the electorates are always familiar with the politicians.
The nature of politics is based on people’s choice about their candidates. We recently had a very successful flag-off in Oyo town, and the PDP members said I hired thugs to disrupt their gathering, which was a lie.
As a politician, the key thing is accessibility. There should be no privacy.
Why did you fail in the 2015 gubernatorial election?
I crossed my boundary when contesting with my forefathers, but now it is my turn to make Oyo State whole again.
What are your achievements in being a senator for three terms?
Yes, in terms of legislation and motions, the significant aspect is necessity. There was no constitutional provision to reveal how we dealt with some issues. Take, for instance, when late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua was sick. No one could find out about his state of health. The country was about to float, and rumours had been spread that the military might take over then. Later, we came up with the doctrine of necessity.
A legislature’s responsibility is to make law, but unfortunately, the rules have become confusing in the last 10-15 years.
Politicians should be more accessible so people can come to you for meaningful discussions about the development of their community. We should talk more about significant projects. We have ICT centres in 17 schools in our senatorial district because ICT is the future. We are pleased to announce the next federal hospital for you, mother and child, at Ona Ara, with 100 beds and 10 doctor apartments.
The technical school (vocational training) at the University of Ibadan is also part of our projects. These are projects’ legacy that would outlive us.
Why do you want to be the governor of Oyo State?
To be sincere, Ibadan is my first and last bus stop. I have experience serving Oyo State better. To whom much is given, much is expected. I have the recipe for moving Oyo State forward.
Firstly, when a candidate is preparing to govern, you must ensure that you investigate the tax regime, that is, to make more money in the state. Late Ajimobi operated on zero tolerance, so he succeeded for two terms. But unfortunately, Oyo State today is known for thuggery, and the current administration is promoting it; they went into government with a learner’s plait. This is a reactive government; they are not proactive in any way, and also a product of coalition. The security issue is a very serious one, and we dare to confront it. The appointment of an ex-convict has been a menace to the growth of security in the state.
Teslim Folarin has been featured since 1999 in Oyo State because of their good records and achievements.
What can you say about job creation and stimulating the economy?
The sensible thing is to begin to make plans now, as the Nigerian youths are more intelligent than us. They grew up in the internet age. We have to empower our youths to become entrepreneurs. We must consider local solutions to the unemployment issue, as a delayed response could be catastrophic.
What is good governance?
Good governance is based on security, a good education, and good health, but it is pretty alarming as Oyo state lacks them all. We have an educational crisis now; this government is not concerned about education, and we must consider our children’s future. Teachers are not motivated, and the government said they’re sanctioning principals. That is a very wrong approach. We need to declare an emergency in education in Oyo State. Where are the school governing boards in charge of the school activities? Nowhere to be found.
Also, health has been a monumental disaster. There is primary, secondary, and tertiary health. When your primary health is right, then others are adequately fixed.
Politics is a worldly possession in which you have to give more energy to attain the best position you desire and to fulfil people’s wishes. It’s not a do-or-die game; God gives it to experienced politicians to take the masses out of the mess. I am proud to say Oyo State gave Bola Ahmed Tinubu the second-highest votes. I led the delegates to Abuja.
