Lagos and Ogun grant work-free days to ensure everyone votes from now on
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Lagos and neighbouring Ogun have granted days off for public sector workers to register for and/or collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as the countdown hots up to the 2023 ballot Nigerians see as pivotal for their country’s survival.
Ogun granted just one, today, Tuesday.
Lagos approved four days – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – to enable all public sector workers in the most populous state of 20 million to register and collect their PVCs before the 30 July deadline given by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Head of Service Hakeem Muri-Okunola announced in a statement that the workers are to return to their duty posts with their PVCs after collection.
He said workers on Grade Levels 01, 03, 07, and 15 are exempted from work on Tuesday (today); Levels 02, 04, 08, and 13 on Wednesday; Levels 05, 09, 12, and 17 on Thursday; and Levels 06, 10, 14, and 16 on Friday.
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Election as civic responsibility
“It is the civic responsibility of every citizen to participate in the electoral process of her country. Therefore, all public servants are encouraged to partake in the upcoming year 2023 general elections,” the statement said, per The PUNCH.
“Consequently, it is notified for general information that all public servants who are yet to register for or collect their Permanent Voter Cards from designated Independent National Electoral Commission centres are advised to do so before the deadline date of July 30, 2022.
“To this end, Mr Governor [Babajide Sanwo-Olu] has graciously approved a work-free for public servants to enable them to process/collect their PVCs from their respective Local Governments/Local Council Development Areas.
“Officers are expected to return back to work with their voter cards after this exercise.
“Accordingly, accounting officers are hereby enjoined to excuse their officers in the respective grade levels on the designated dates.”
Ogun declares one-day off
Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun announced today work-free in a statement he issued through his spokesman Kunle Somorin.
The “one-day public holiday is to provide a window for all workers in the state, who have either lost their cards, not registered or who might need to travel to their wards, local government areas and constituencies to perfect their Permanent Voters Registration or transfer their cards, where necessary, to enable them to participate in the next general elections,” the statement explained, per The Guardian (Nigeria).
Abiodun said as an “inclusive and accountable government”, the role of PVC for citizens cannot be “overemphasised” and urged all those eligible to get their PVCs to avoid excuses that may hinder them from voting.
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