Oyo APC Guber Candidate, Folarin Speaks On Sacking Makinde’s Appointees If Elected

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Teslim Folarin, has reacted to reports claiming he would relieve government workers appointed into the state workforce by his rival, Governor Seyi Makinde, if elected.

Naija News reports that Governor Makinde is seeking re-election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 11, 2023, governorship election.

Speculations, however, are that his major contender at the poll, Folarin planned to sack some civil servants employed under his administration and that of his predecessor, Abiola Ajimobi, if elected in the governorship polls this Saturday.

Folarin, while addressing some public servants in Ibadan during a meeting on Monday, said there was no reason to retrench any worker if given the opportunity.

He admonished them to disregard the fake news being spread by the agents of the PDP.

The APC governorship candidate said, “I was a civil servant in the United Kingdom for almost 20 years before venturing into partisan politics.

“Likewise, my running mate, Taiwo Okunlola, was also a civil servant for almost 22 years. Eight years as a secondary school teacher and 14 years as a university lecturer. We cannot afford to fail the private, civil, and public servants in Oyo State. Oyo State workers and pensioners are in safe hands.

“It is a statement of fact that civil and public servants under Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party are being underutilised with consultants engaged in taking over their statutory responsibilities. An average civil/public official operates in an unfavourable working environment.

“Civil service rules and procedures are being relegated to the background. With a mindset of immediate rescue, I assure that both the public and civil services will be repositioned for a better, more vibrant, and efficient service delivery as laid down by our progenitors.”

Folarin explained further that his administration, if elected, is determined to motivate civil and public servants for effective service delivery through prompt payment of salaries and allowances, promotion as and when due, and training for capacity building.

“APC administration under my watch will ensure regular payment of gratuities and pensions. We’ll reposition the service for effective and efficient performance,” the governorship hopeful stated.