Osun govt constitutes election violence victims’ verification committee

The Osun State Government has constituted a Committee on Election Violence Victims to verify claims from persons affected by election-related violence and oversee the disbursement of the ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Relief Endowment Fund.

The committee was constituted by Governor Ademola Adeleke according to a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, to ensure that genuine victims of election-related violence receive relief from the fund provided by the state government.

According to the statement, “the committee is chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Olumide Egbedun, who will lead the verification and assessment of claims submitted by affected persons.

“Other members include Mrs Eniola Omotoso; Mr Emmanuel Olowu, representing civil society organisations; Alhaja Balkiss Akinleye; and a nominee of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The committee also has Alhaji Moshood Suleiman of the Ministry of Information; Moses Faremi, Esq., of the Ministry of Justice; a nominee of the Department of State Services; and Hon. Yemi Lawal as members.

“Mr Sola Sonibare, Executive Secretary of the Osun Investment Promotion Agency, will serve as the committee’s secretary.”

The statement disclosed that the committee is mandated to receive and verify petitions, claims and supporting evidence submitted by victims of election-related violence.

It will also determine the eligibility of claimants and recommend appropriate relief for verified victims in line with guidelines approved by the state government.

The government said the initiative was designed to support citizens who suffered losses, injuries, displacement or other forms of hardship as a result of election-related violence.

According to the government, “the committee is expected to conduct a transparent and credible verification process to establish genuine claims and ensure that relief reaches deserving victims.”

The state government urged all affected persons with genuine claims to cooperate with the committee by providing accurate information and relevant evidence required for the verification exercise.

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It said the ₦500 million relief fund would be administered transparently and fairly, with the committee ensuring that it was strictly used for the benefit of verified victims.