The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, has called on victims of election-related violence in the August 15 Osun governorship election to present their cases before the state’s Election Violence Relief Committee.
Egbedun, who chairs the committee, stated this on Thursday during the EVRC’s inaugural meeting held in the state.
According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Olamide Tiamiyu, the speaker noted that the mandate of the committee is to listen to victims, authenticate their claims and ensure they benefit from the appropriate relief, adding that the committee had begun collating some complaints from victims.
He also assured the victims of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s government’s support.
The statement read partly, “Speaking at the maiden meeting of the committee, the Chairman welcomed members and expressed appreciation for accepting to serve at what he described as a critical moment in the history of the state.
“Egbedun said the assignment of the committee was both humanitarian and sensitive, stressing that its responsibility was to listen to victims, verify genuine claims and ensure that appropriate relief reached those who suffered losses as a result of election-related violence.
“He assured the public that the committee would discharge its responsibilities fairly, transparently and without prejudice, noting that every submission would be treated with utmost seriousness and decisions would be guided by facts, fairness and compassion.”
The statement noted that victims who sustained injuries during the election period, but are still receiving treatment from hospitals, should “come forward, preferably through their relatives or representatives, and make their cases known to the committee.”
He said when such cases are presented to the committee, it’d contact the hospitals where they are being treated and ensure they receive the necessary care.
“The chairman further assured the victims, their families and the hospitals involved that the government remained committed to taking responsibility for the approved cost of their treatment.
“The committee chairman also expressed profound appreciation to the Adeleke Dynasty for its compassionate intervention on behalf of children who lost their parents or benefactors during the recent election violence.
“He disclosed that the Dynasty, through the Springtime Development Foundation, had communicated its decision to sponsor scholarships for the children of those who tragically lost their lives during the violence,” the statement added.
Egbedun described the initiative as a “remarkable demonstration of humanity, compassion and commitment to the welfare of vulnerable families affected by the unfortunate incidents.”
According to the statement, the speaker noted that one of the best ways to honour the memories of those who lost their lives during the election period was through education, by “investing in the future of their children.”
This, he said, would keep them hopeful and allow them to “build a brighter future despite their circumstances.
“As Chairman of the Election Violence Relief Committee, I commend this initiative and assure the Adeleke Dynasty and the Springtime Development Foundation of the Committee’s appreciation and support in ensuring that the gesture reaches the intended beneficiaries transparently and effectively.”
Egbedun stressed that the committee would ensure a transparent and credible relief process, and that “genuine victims will not be overlooked.”
The PUNCH reports that Adeleke was declared winner of the governorship election by the State Returning Officer of INEC, Prof Joshua Ogunwole.
The governor, contesting on the platform of the Accord Party, polled 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.