By Seyifunmi Odunuga
Senator Kolawole Teslim Folarin the first three terms Senator from the pacesetters State is also the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in Oyo State he recently featured on a live programme in Yes 101.7FM, anchored by Yemi Sonde.
He condemned the leadership of the incumbent governor Seyi Makinde, whom he alleged 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 was no short cuts, because of the influence of internet, there are lots of negativity conspired on social media. I am a grassroot politician, and the first thing in politics is recognition, I relates with people on a daily basis, I do not disassociate myself from the masses. I was taught to have a good beginning and also end it well, because the electorates are always familiar with the politicians.
The nature of politics are based on people’s choice about their candidates. We had a very successful flag off in Oyo town recently, and the PDP members said that I hired thugs to disrupt their gathering and it was a lie.
As a politician, the key thing is accessibility. There should be no privacy.
Why did you fail in 2015 gubernatorial election?
I crossed my boundary when contesting with forefather, 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, motions and 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 Yaradu’a was sick, no one could get the fact about his state of health. The country was about floating, rumours had been spread that the military might take over then. Later we came up with doctrine of necessity.
The responsibility of a legislature is to make law, but unfortunately, in the last 10-15 years, the rules are being confusing.
Politicians should be more accessible, so people can come to you for an important discussions for 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 to you, mother and child at ona ara with 100 beds and 10 apartments for doctors.
The technical school (vocational training) in 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 with you, Ibadan is my first bus stop and also my last bus stop. I have experience to serve Oyo state better. To whom much is given, is much expected. I have the recipe to move Oyo state forward.
Firstly, when a candidate is preparing to govern, you must ensure that you make investigations on tax regime, that is, to make more money in the state. Late Ajimobi operated on zero tolerance, that’s why he succeeded for two terms. But unfortunately, Oyo state today are known for thuggery and the current administration are promoting it, they went into government with a learner 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, we also have courage to confront it, the appointment of an ex-convict has been a menace to the growth of security in the state.
Teslim Folarin has always featured since 1999 in Oyo state. Because of the good records and achievements so far.
What can you say about job creation and stimulating economy?
The sensible thing is to begin to make plans now, as it is now, the Nigeria youths are more intelligent than us, they grew up on internet age. We have to empower our youths on jobs or enterprenure, we have to think locally on what to do, because it is a time bomb, if there is no quick response to the issue of unemployment.
What is good governance?
Good governance based on security, good educational sector, and health sectors but it is quite bad as Oyo state lacks them all. We have an educational crisis now, this government is not giving concerned about education, and we have to consider the future of our children. Teachers are not motivated, and I heard that the government said they’re sanctioning principals, that is a very wrong approach. We need to declare an emergency on Education in Oyo state. Where are the school governing boards that are in charge of the school activities? Nowhere to be found.
And also health has been a monumental disaster, there is primary, second and tertiary health. When your primary health is right, then others are fixed properly.
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 the second highest votes to Bola Ahmed Tinubu I led the delegates to Abuja.
