PDP Vanguard, a prominent group in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has declared its support for Senator Teslim Folarin, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the March 11 gubernatorial election in Oyo State.
The group which boasts a memberships strength of no fewer than 190,000 members in the state also directed its members to rally behind the election of Folarin.
These supporters under their platform called PDP Vanguard made this known in a statement on their official Twitter account @pdpvanguard on Thursday.
According to the statement, “It is essential that every eligible voter in Oyo State exercises their right to vote. The importance of this cannot be overstated, as every single vote counts and can make a significant difference in the outcome of the election. Folarin Is The Answer!”
While reacting to this development, Senator Teslim Folarin lauded their support.
Speaking, through his media aide YSO Olaniyi, Folarin called on other opposition parties to take a cue from the PDP Vanguard by joining him to rescue Oyo State from the maladministration of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Folarin while speaking further, lamented that “Oyo State security system has shamefully degraded from a mountaintop of excellence during the days of “Operation Burst” to a despicable gutter of security deterioration such that Oyo State residents now live in palpable fear and tension”
He bemoaned the state of insecurity in Oyo;
“The reality of incessant armed robbery, inter-street clashes, brigandage of Oyo State Park Managers, banditry, burglary, cult rivalry and other social vices have become daily occurrences.
“The unfortunate aspect is that the present administration in Oyo State is insensitive, tolerant and incapable to arrest the situation. The summary of it all is that Oyo State is in a state of security breakdown, therefore requiring urgent rescue”
The front line Governorship hopeful, proffered solutions, assuring to make Oyo State safe and secure for lives, properties and businesses.
Folarin stated that overhauling of the security architecture in the state, effective coordination of all security agencies, reinvigoration of Security Trust Fund for improved resource intervention, provision of adequate security for local and foreign businesses without fear of investment losses, setting up of Oyo State Neighbourhood Watch that comprises Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Odua People’s Congress (OPC) and Community Development Associations (CDAs) as local security architecture, to intensify security patrol and counter-security measure.
“Deployment of Technology (CCTV in strategic locations) for crime prevention and control, the data capture of every Oyo State resident, leading to ‘Operation Know Your Neighbour. and to strengthen, empower, equip and motivate South West Security Network (Amotekun) towards effective operation,” he added.