The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has unveiled a Committee on Election Violence Victims to verify claims of persons affected by election-related violence.
The committee will also oversee the disbursement of the N500 million Election Violence Victims Relief Endowment Fund provided by the State Government.
A statement by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Monday said the committee, which is chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, will undertake a transparent and credible verification process to establish genuine claims and ensure that relief reaches deserving victims.
According to the statement, membership of the committee include; “Adewale Olumide Egbedun — chairman, Mrs Eniola Omotoso — member, Mr Emmanuel Olowu— representative of Civil Society Organisations, –member, Alhaja Balkiss Akinleye — member, nominee of the Nigeria Police Force — member, Alhaji Moshood Suleiman (Ministry of Information) — member, Moses Faremi Esq (Ministry of Justice) – member, nominee of the Department of State Services (DSS) — member, Hon. Yemi Lawal — Member, Mr Sola Sonibare, Executive Secretary, Osun Investment Promotion Agency — Secretary.”
The statement added, “The committee is mandated to receive and verify petitions, claims and supporting evidence submitted by victims; determine the eligibility of claimants; and recommend appropriate relief to verified victims in accordance with the guidelines approved by the State Government.”
The government said the initiative underscores Adeleke’s commitment to supporting citizens who suffered losses, injuries, displacement or other forms of hardship as a result of election-related violence.
It therefore enjoined “All affected persons with genuine claims to cooperate with the committee by providing accurate information and relevant evidence necessary for the verification process.
“The committee is expected to ensure that the ₦500 million relief fund is administered transparently, fairly and strictly for the benefit of verified victims.”