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  • Folarin seeks probe into alleged shooting at APC unity rally

    Folarin seeks probe into alleged shooting at APC unity rally

    Oyo State leader of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former Senate leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, has called for a full-scale investigation into allegations that a commercial motorcyclist was shot during the All Progressives Congress (APC) unity rally in Ogbomoso on Monday.

    Folarin, reacting to reports circulating in the public space, said neither the APC, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, nor the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condone violence, lawlessness or misconduct in any form before, during or after political activities.

    He said the rally, which was organised as part of the party’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general election, was peaceful and orderly, with no officially recorded incidence of violence at the venue.

    “The APC unity rally in Ogbomoso was peacefully conducted and successfully concluded. There was no report of violence or crisis from the organisers or security agencies at the event,” Folarin said.

    However, acknowledging the gravity of the allegation, the senator said he had formally requested relevant security agencies to conduct investigation to ascertain what actually transpired and establish the facts surrounding the reported incident.

    He says if any individual, regardless of status, position or political affiliation, is found to have engaged in unlawful or criminal conduct, such a person must be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

    “Criminality has no place in the APC, its activities or Nigeria’s democratic process. Anyone found culpable must face the full weight of the law,” Folarin said.

    He appealed to the public and the media to exercise restraint and avoid speculation while investigations are ongoing.

    Read Also: Akwashiki’s death a devastating loss to Nigeria – Adebayo

    He warned that the politicisation or sensationalisation of security-related matters before facts were fully established could undermine public trust and inflame tensions.

    “At this stage, it is important that stakeholders allow security agencies to do their work. Drawing premature conclusions or politicising the issue will not serve public interest,” he said.

    Reaffirming his commitment to peace and security in Oyo State, Folarin assured residents that he would continue to work with security agencies to safeguard lives and property across the state.

    He said Oyo State must remain a model of peaceful political engagement, noting that political competition should never degenerate into violence or criminality.

    As investigations continue, the senator urged politicians to conduct their activities responsibly and in line with democratic values, stressing that the credibility of the electoral process depended on peace, accountability and respect for the rule of law.

    The call for an investigation comes amid heightened public attention on political rallies and the conduct of party supporters, as parties intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of future elections.

  • Folarin: no painful screening for ex-governors, senators

    Forner Senate Leader Teslim Folarin and currently representing Oyo Central at the Senate has said it was unnecessary to subject former governors and those who have served in the Senate to what he called painful screening.

    He said this is because they deserve respect and honour, having been entrusted with huge responsibilities in the past.

    The screening of ministerial nominees, including some former governors and senators by the Ninth Senate has generated mixed reactions.

    Some Nigerians have criticized the current Senate for allegedly being an “executive rubber stamp” on 17 ministerial nominees.

    The 17 ministerial nominees were said to have been treated with special favour when they were asked to take a bow and go, without passing through thorough screening, as others.

    Folarin said unknown to many, the Senate has its internal workings, rules and traditions.

    Addressing reporters at the weekend in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at a “thank you party” he organised for his constituents on his electoral victory, the former Senate Leader said the Upper Chamber under Lawan has “distinguished Nigerians who know what they are doing”.

    Read Also: Senators decry rising suicide cases

    He said: “We have our traditions. If you are a former member of the National Assembly, it is our tradition to allow you to bow and go.

    “Nigerians may not like it but that is the way it is. If you have been a governor and you come to the National Assembly for clearance, we must respect you because you have been entrusted with a huge responsibility before.

    “What do we ask a governor? Again, in some cases, once they talk for about five minutes, you will know what they have in stock. You don’t have to keep people for about one hour before you know you have screened them. If you screen somebody for five minutes, you will know if the person is sound or not.”

    Folarin said those the Senate felt needed to be quizzed were quizzed, adding: “Take, as an instance, the nominee from Oyo State, Sunday Dare, was screened. We grilled him. This is because at the level he had operated, he had been screened by the committee of the Senate for his position as Executive Commissioner of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). I wanted to showcase what we have in Oyo State to the whole world. That was why I invited my colleagues to ask him questions.

    “Also, a lot of them are returning and they had been screened four years ago. What do you want to ask them again? In the case of the Attorney General, we screened him very well; didn’t we?”

     

     

     

  • Former Senate leader Folarin returns

    A former Senate leader, Senator Teslim Folarin has made a return to the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly by emerging the winner of Oyo Central Senatorial District election.

    Announcing the result, the Returning Officer for the senatorial district, Prof Idowu Falayi, said Senator Folarin of the All Progressive Congress (APC) polled 91,080 votes to defeat his closest rival, Chief Bisi Ilaka of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who got 83,600 votes.

    While the incumbent, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu of the ADC scored 41,657 votes, a serving member of the lower chamber, Hon Temitope Olatoye got 41,377 to emerge third and fourth respectively.

    The results were announced amid heavy security with major political party agents around.

    This is third time the former Senate leader will be elected into the Red chamber of the National Assembly having served in 2003 and 2007 on the platform of the PDP

    The announced result of the Oyo central Senatorial/result is as follows:

    Afijio LG

    APC:5522

    PDP:6728

    ADC:2,326

    ADP:1539

    Oluyole LG

    APC:9490

    PDP:9004

    ADC:5654

    ADP:1762

    Egbeda LG

    APC: 15346

    PDP:11007

    ADC:4370

    ADP:3371

    Ona Ara LG

    APC:8225

    PDP:8040

    ADC:3255

    ADP:887

    Akinyele LG

    APC:8938

    PDP:9244

    ADC:8349

    ADP:5442

    Surulere LG

    APC:9141

    PDP:3907

    ADC:1222

    ADP:8204

    Ogo Oluwa LG

    APC:5688

    PDP:4276

    ADC:1023

    ADP:4628

    Oyo East LG

    APC: 6122

    PDP:9368

    ADC:4109

    ADP:2391

    Oyo west LG

    APC:6593

    PDP:8453

    ADC:3375

    ADP:2659

    Atiba LG

    APC:6932

    PDP:6825

    ADC:4824

    ADP:5424

    APC:9083

    PDP:6748

    ADC:3147

    ADP:5070

    Total results:

    APC: 91080

    PDP:83600

    ADC:41,657

    ADP:41377

  • APC set to welcome Akala, Folarin, Olaniyan, others in Oyo

    APC set to welcome Akala, Folarin, Olaniyan, others in Oyo

    All is set for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to welcome former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, Engr Rauf Olaniyan and other top politicians from opposition parties to its fold on Saturday.

    In a statement by the party’s Public Relations Officer (APC), Olawale Sadare, the party said the top politicians will be received officially at a rally to be held at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan on Saturday.

    Other politicians to officially join the APC are former Deputy Governor, Alh. Taofeek Arapaja, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Ayodele Adigun of Accord party, and a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Segun Odebunmi, of the PDP.

    Others are Hon. Ayoola Makanjuola and Alhaji Rasaq Gbadegesin. They will lead their supporters to join the APC at the planned rally.

    The party described the defection as the mother of all defections in the politics of Oyo State.

    The party disclosed that some of the bigwigs had joined its fold since last year while others are just joining.

    The statement read in part: “With the caliber of active and experienced political players coming on board to reinvigorate our great Party ahead of the 2019 general election, it is pertinent to state here that the battle for the soul of the state to determine who takes over from the trail blazer, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, would be fought and won only within the APC.

    “With all intents and purposes, we crave for a viable opposition as a necessary impetus for good governance and democracy growth in the Pacesetter State but what the combination of PDP, LP and Accord Party had offered in the last couple of years fell below the standard thereby necessitating the need for the ruling APC to activate its check and balance mechanism for the good of the process.

    “Apparently, the Sterling performance of Gov. Ajimobi in offering the last six years coupled with his exemplary leadership qualities must have appealed to the patriotic zeal in the new entrants who are coming in to strengthen the APC and thus put paid to irresponsible politics of opposition which some lazy bones and few unscrupulous elements still promote to actualize selfish goals.

    “For the sake record, Ibadan will witness another epoch-making political event similar to the one we held for President Muhammad Buhari during the build-up to the 2015 general election. This time again, Sen. Ajimobi and Chief Akin Oke (our state chairman) will be on hand to play host to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, APC governors from other states among other dignitaries to welcome the defectors.

    “What this indicates is that the unrelenting activities of Gov. Ajimobi in relation to his reformation, restoration and transformation agenda for the state would get another boost as many active stakeholders are getting more involved while the dream of a brighter future for our dear state is becoming more realizable by the day.”

  • TESLIM FOLARIN bounces back

    Two-term senator, Chief Teslim Folarin, has bounced back from his long stay in the doldrums. The former Senate leader, who represented Oyo Central between 2003 and 2011, used the recent burial of his mother to announce his re emergence on the social scene after some time away from the limelight. His mother, Alhaja Sidikat Abebi, was buried amid much pomp and ceremony at The Recreation Club, Ibadan.

    Though no one is sure why he went low profile in the first place, some speculated that it must have been due to his failure to secure political office during the last elections. In that case, his mother’s burial ceremony must have presented an ample opportunity for the ex-senator to re-establish contacts with power brokers in the social and political spheres.

    Royal fathers aplenty were in attendance at the exquisite event, which was said to have had over 500 people in attendance. The monarchs included the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Abdul-Rasheed Akanbi, among others.

    The event was also a good opportunity for Angela Folarin, the senator’s loveable wife, to put her excellent hostess skills to good use. Those in attendance were left gushing at the level of meticulous planning that went into the event.

    Chief Folarin hails from the Baale House in Oja Igbo area of Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State. He is a ranked traditional chief, the Laguna Olubadan of Ibadanland.

  • Teslim Folarin recoils into anonymous shell

    Unknown to many, the limelight is not always as pleasurable as it appears. Sometimes, it blinds those it beams its rays upon, forcing them to scurry into a shell of anonymity. That seems the fate that has befallen Sen. Teslim Folarin.

    No longer does the internet buzz with his every deed, and no longer does the mention of his name elicit adulation. He no longer controls the pace of the Ibadan social scene, as the former Senate leader and governorship aspirant in Oyo State is no longer visible on the social radar.

    No one is sure why Folarin suddenly disappeared from the social scene. His wife, Agela, seems to have taken a cue from her husband as she appears to have also recoiled into her shell.

  • Folarin: Oyo PDP focused

    Folarin: Oyo PDP focused

    The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Teslim Folarin, has said the party remains focused, despite the postponement of the general elections.

    He said with the argument of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the security lapses in some parts of the country, it will be reasonable to consider the interest of others.

    Folarin, who spoke during a rally yesterday in Igboho and Kishi, urged Nigerians to trust the INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega.

    The PDP candidate urged Nigerians to accept the postponement of the elections in good faith, adding that Nigeria can only be great if people support government polices.

    “We remain focused and determined, despite the postponement of the elections. I want to urge Nigerians to accept it in good faith and think of how to make Nigeria great..”

  • Folarin: I’ll pay workers on time

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin, has promised to clear all outstanding salaries and introduce enhanced salary package for public workers, if elected.

    Folarin, who spoke at a meeting at his Oluyole home in Ibadan with representatives of teachers and other categories of workers yesterday,  sympathised with workers who were yet to receive their September to December salaries.

    He also promised to run a government anchored on the fear of God, respect for human rights, which he said would translate to justice, accountability, unity, among other values.

    The governorship candidate also promised to embark on industrialisation to add value to the different sectors, thereby generating employment, wealth and other opportunities for the youth.

    Folarin  said he does not need a tutorial to take off as governor and urged the people not to be deceived by the antics of the outgoing administration  in the state.

    Folarin  said he has met with all the conditions that he needed to meet with to stand for the position of governor and urged party members and supporters to ignore the campaign of calumny being carried out against him by his opponents

    The PDP candidate also disclosed that everything was being done to resolve minor disagreement in the party ahead of the elections.

  • Oyo APC to Folarin: you’re bad news

    Oyo APC to Folarin: you’re bad news

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin, as bad news in the politics of the state.

    In its reaction to an interview which Folarin granted yesterday, Oyo APC’s Director of Publicity and Strategy Olawale Sadare said the former Senate leader had further compounded his credibility problem in the polity by exposing himself as an unrepentant desperado and master of double speak.

    Sadare said: “In the said interview, the PDP candidate revealed how Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s sense of justice and fairness saved him from imprisonment in a murder case. On the other hand, the same Folarin claimed that the governor was a non-performer.

    “By implication, the APC administration has been able to clean the Augean Stables brought into the state by PDP gladiators. As a matter of fact, a sincere mind would celebrate this feat alone even if nothing has been added to it,” the APC said.

    The APC said it was time for Folarin to reap his barren eight years in the Senate, which it said was unproductive and non-beneficial to the state.

    “This was the same Senate leadership position which Senator Olusola Saraki held in Kwara which catapulted him to the zenith of acclaim. Folarin occupied same and cannot point to any significant contribution he made in the lives of the people,” the APC said.

    “In view of the foregoing, we are taken aback by Folarin’s outbursts. We urge him to concentrate on repairing the damage that his emergence as a governorship candidate of the PDP has caused his party and face the court process in that regard as it is still a subject of controversy.

    “We urge him to refrain from his usual refrain of misleading the public by making false claims in the media. The good thing about this current outburst is that, each attempt by Folarin and his ilk to denigrate the person of the governor falls flat on its face as the people remain resolute in their determination to settle for continuity and consolidation in 2015.”

  • ‘Oyo PDP governorship aspirants won’t cause crisis’

    ‘Oyo PDP governorship aspirants won’t cause crisis’

    Senate Deputy Chief Whip Hosea Agboola represents  Oyo North District on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP. He spoke with reporters in Ibadan, the state capital, on why he is supporting the governorship ambition of former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin and not his former boss, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala. He also spoke on the crisis in the Oyo PDP and the way out of the logjam.

    There are fears that the OYo State PDP will end up in post- primary crisis because of the large number of governorship aspirants. What is your view?

    The number of aspirants is a good development and I promise you it won’t have any effect on our chances. The party will go to the election as a strong entity. We will present a strong candidate through a clean primaries. So,I don’t have anything to say now. When the primaries come, we will decide who will be the governor of this state.

    Apart from the primaries, does the party have a particular candidate in mind?

    No. We pick our candidates in the PDP through primaries. Our governorship candidate won’t emerge through the back door as been insinuated in some corners.  Initially, we do pick candidates through consensus, in special situations. But, I am sure the primaries will be free and fair and without any interference or influence.

    It appears Senator  Teslim Folarin has been anointed by the Presidency as the candidate. What are others still doing in the race?

    I cannot say much about that. But, it can only be confirmed by the person that is contesting. He is my friend and I am with him. I will give him all the necessary support to achieve his aim and I don’t think that it is a crime for me to support anybody I prefer so far he is a member of my party.

    Your former boss, Otunba Alao- Akala, is also in the race. Why are you not supporting?

    There is nothing bad, if Alao-Akala in interested in running for the governorship race again. We served together in this state. Hewas my leader. I am supporting him, but I am only working for Folarin. They are both PDP aspirants and I don’t think supporting one should make any party member an enemy of the other. At the end, whoever that emerges will have the support of every member of the party to reclaim Oyo in 2015. Like I said, we’re going to contest 2the 15 election as a wind that will blow off whoever stands as the opposition to win the election. I want to state here once again that the DP will form the next government in Oyo State.

    What is the relationship between the Accord Party (AP) and the PDP in the House of Assembly?

    I am not a member of the House of Assembly. So, I cannot say anything about that. I do not know what is happening there. We’re in an election year and it is possible that people or political analysts who are politicians make some permutations as regards that. But, I want to tell you that all the members of the House of Assembly across the parties are politicians, mature minds who are capable of deciding for themselves. That’s to the best of my knowledge. I don’t know what transpires there and it will be wrong for anybody to think or assume that I know just like the members. That assumption is totally wrong.

    The APC has been accusing the PDP on politicizsing matters arising in the state like the Apete bridge, Mokola bridge and Soka Ibadan issues. What is your view on that?

    Governor Ajimobi is not attentive. The Apete project has been there for more than three years ago. On the Mokola bridge project, people have been saying the amount spent on the project is too high. I am not an engineer. The people in that field should be able to say more about that. Even, there were accusations from within, though not made public. I think the government or the governor should address them, instead of looking in the way of opposition. I cannot say much about the amount spent on the Mokola bridge. On the issue of Soka, to me, whatever the public needs to know was raised by the press while it lasted. But now, I think it has become a police affair. The police should have more information on that. You can also go to court and confirm what is happening there. I do not know much about Soka matter.

    With the APC victory in Osun state, do you think there will be a replica in Oyo State?

    You are a living witness to what happened in Osun State. But, Oyo State politics is different from that of Osun State. I am assuring you that the people of Oyo State are tired of the APC government. They are tired of taking directives from Lagos State. So, I am assuring you that in 2015, the PDP will emerge as the governor. And, if you censor people’s view, this is more evident than anything. But, whatever kite anybody or party is flying, by the time we begin the campaign for election and the election proper, the shaft will be separated from the wheat.

    The PC has accused PDP of bribing the electorate with money and stomach infrastructure, instead of directing it towards infrastructure development?

    During Obasanjo’s time, the Lagos-Ibadan road expansion contract was awarded and also the Ibadan to Ilorin road was constructed. It remains only Oyo/Ogbomosho axis road. When you say the PDP government is spending money on the electorate alone and not working, go to Osun State, there is nothing to show that they are working; even in Oyo State. What you can only see is a cosmetic propaganda structure solidly on ground to create an illusion of what was never on ground.

    How true is the allegatiin that the Oyo PDP is divided to the extent that the party has two secretariats?

    The only party secretariat I know is the one at Dandaru on UCH Road. I only belong to the Dandaru secretariat, which has been in existence up to the national level and not on pages of newspaper. It is news to me that there is another party office in Yemetu. Maybe, some people are there faking the party. I am not aware of any party office there.

    The leaders are neutral and all members of the party in the 33 local government areas are pursuing the same interest. I want to reiterate that there is no crisis in the Oyo PDP, even among the aspirants. The party is working to present the best governorship candidate through a fair primary on November 29.

    What is your view on the last PVC distribution by the INEC?

    To me and with all sincerity, I think the INEC tried. But, you know our democracy is just developing. This is not where we were in 2011,and I think, by now, we have improved a lot. The INEC too is improving. On the last PVC exercise, I think the INEC has seen where they have challenges and they are working to make sure that such do not happen again, or even improve on those areas.

    Do you think the INEC should shift the election forward to attend to the PVC problem.?

    No. I do not think there is any need for that. Anyone who wants to register still has access to the INEC headquarters in states or local governments to register. Those that want to get the permanent voter cards can equally go there. Between now and the election period, we have about 90 days, that should be enough for anybody to do what they want to do. You see, we should also be seen as someone contributing to the system to ensure it works and not just pulling it down by our comments.

    If the PDP wins Oyo State, what will the party do to sustain the urban renewal initiative of the current administration?

    I am not contesting for the governorship election. That question should be better addressed by the aspirants. I cannot speak for them, though I don’t think that is big deal for any governorship candidate.

    Don’t you think there should be continuity in governance?

    Governance is a continuous process. If the elected leaders in this country are not interested, then, it is their fault. If I am elected into any post, I will continue from where my predecessor stopped. If a governor wants to embark on any project, it must be the ones that will be completed within four years. Any reasonable governor will not start a project that will not be completed within his tenure. Any project must be completed before that governor leaves office. And in a situation where such happens, the next governor should not hesitate to complete it for the good of the masses.

    How does the Senate intend to work on the report of the National Conference?

    It is the agenda of Mr President. All I know is that, if the President believes in the report, he will forward it to the National Assembly for further consideration and I believe, if the National Assembly receives such, we will work accordingly. No ill feeling or fear in handling In the House.

    What is your view on the proposed single term of five or six years for political office holders?

    I am also in support of it. I supported it when it was proposed. I am in support of the six year single term. So,this is my view or opinion ,which I think I’m entitled to.

    What is your ambition for 2015?

    I want to be re-elected as a senator representing Oyo North District. It is an assignment given to me by the leaders. If I pass through the primaries, I will thank God. I want to be returned.

    There are speculations that you may be the deputy governor , if the PDP wins in 2015. What is your view?

    I want to return to the Senate in tandem with my leaders’ endorsement. I believe I do not have any ambition to be a running mate or otherwise as being speculated. If anybody is speaking for me directly or indirectly and maybe, for political reason, my own stake is different. Once again, I want to return to the Senate in 2015 and not as deputy governor.