- Odibo Victory
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke says the state government will establish a N500 million Election Violence Victims Relief Fund to support verified pre-election victims and their families.
Adeleke announced this while receiving his certificate of return at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Osogbo on Wednesday.
He said a verification and relief committee, chaired by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, would oversee the transparent identification of victims and equitable distribution of the support.
Adeleke sympathized with the bereaved families stating that their death will not be reduced to mere statistics and will always be remembered.
“It is deeply painful that any family should have to bury a loved one because of politics. No election, political office or ambition is worth the life of a single citizen.
“We remember Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass, Kolade Eluyera and every other victim of electoral violence.
“Regardless of political affiliation, they were first our brothers, sisters and fellow citizens. To their families, your pain is our pain, and your loved ones will never be reduced to mere statistics,” he said.
He also said that the distribution of the relief fund will be void of discrimination because it more than a matter of politics or political affiliations.
“This is not a political intervention. It is a humanitarian responsibility.
“No eligible victim will be excluded because of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender or social status.
“In grief, there is no political party. In our common humanity, we are one people,” he said.
The Governor further emphasized the importance of remaining sober and in reflection of lives that were lost during the election.
“Even in victory, we must be sober in reflection. Citizens were injured, properties and livelihoods were destroyed and, most painfully, precious lives were lost,” he said.
Adeleke added that his family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, would provide full scholarships up to university level for the children and dependants of those who lost their lives.
Adeleke dedicated the certificate to the people of the state, describing the occasion as a moment of gratitude, reflection and appreciation for the people who stood firm for democracy.
“This certificate does not belong to Ademola Adeleke alone. It belongs to the people of Osun State.
“Our workers, market men and women, youths, traditional and religious leaders, and every citizen who participated in this democratic process.
“I am deeply humbled by the confidence you have renewed in me.
“May God comfort every family that has suffered loss, heal the injured, bless our people and continue to bless the State of the Living Spring,” he said.
The governor said he did not receive the certificate as a trophy or a weapon against anyone, but as a renewed contract with the people.
“The election is over. The campaign is over. The contest is over. Now is the time to govern, unite, heal and build.
“To those who voted for me, I thank you. To those who voted for another candidate, I thank you for participating in our democracy.
“I remain governor to all, and together we must place Osun State above politics.
“We shall continue to advance infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and economic development, with accountability, inclusion and transparency.
“You have given me another opportunity to serve, and I accept this responsibility with humility. I will work harder. I will listen more. I will do more,” he said.
The certificate was presented by the INEC National Commissioner Supervising Osun, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, to Adeleke and his deputy, Kola Adewusi.
NPO Reported that INEC had on Sunday declared Adeleke the winner of the election after he polled 511,067 votes to defeat his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 444,815 votes.
The INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, who declared the results at the INEC collation centre, said the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.
Ogunwole, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, said the total valid votes cast were 985,079, while 20,721 votes were rejected, bringing the total number of votes cast to 1,005,800.