A former Secretary of the APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, Mr Ayoola Lawal, has commended Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for establishing a N500 million fund to support victims and families affected by election-related violence.
Lawal gave the commendation in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the initiative as a compassionate response to concerns raised by stakeholders over the welfare of families who suffered losses during the electoral process.
He said the intervention addressed calls for meaningful assistance to victims and their families, adding that he was pleased that the governor had responded with concrete action.
“Some of us had called for support for these families, and I am genuinely pleased that the governor listened and has now responded with this significant intervention,” he said.
Lawal described the fund as an indication of concern for the welfare of people affected by electoral violence, stressing that political considerations should not overshadow the human consequences of such incidents.
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He said leaders should be willing to listen to legitimate concerns and translate them into practical measures that provide relief to affected citizens.
“When a leader listens to legitimate concerns and translates them into concrete action, such a response deserves to be acknowledged, irrespective of political affiliation,” he said.
The APC diaspora chieftain also referred to a recent television interview by political commentator Segun Showunmi on TVC, where Showunmi remarked that “a heavy soul hardly dances like Jackson Adeleke.”
Although he acknowledged the light-hearted nature of the comment, Lawal said it highlighted the importance of compassion, empathy and humanity in leadership, particularly when citizens are dealing with the consequences of political violence.
Lawal, however, urged the Osun State Government to ensure that the N500 million fund is administered transparently, fairly and promptly.
He stressed that genuine victims and families directly affected by electoral violence should remain the primary beneficiaries of the intervention. “Beyond politics, this is about people who have suffered. I commend Adeleke for listening and acting,” Lawal said.
He added that political differences should not prevent stakeholders from recognising positive actions that could improve the lives of affected citizens.
“We should be able to acknowledge a good gesture when we see one, regardless of who is responsible,” he stated.
Lawal further said meaningful assistance to victims of political violence could promote healing and reconciliation while helping restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
NAN
