The Anambra State Government has declared Friday a work-free day for all civil servants, a move designed to enable full participation in Saturday’s pivotal governorship election.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Head of Service, Theodora Igwegbe, the government announced the measure was approved by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The directive applies to all political appointees, permanent secretaries, and heads of government agencies, who are tasked with ensuring full compliance.
Igwegbe stated that the day off is intended to allow civil servants to travel to their registered voting locations. She framed the gesture as a way to encourage the state workforce’s “active participation” in the democratic process, describing it as a “vital contribution to good governance.”
This work-free day is a tactical move that serves two masters. On the surface, it’s a noble effort to bolster civic engagement and remove logistical barriers for voters. However, in the high-stakes arena of a tight election, it’s also a powerful get-out-the-vote tool, particularly for an incumbent administration.
