Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has declared Thursday, October 30, and Friday, October 31, as public holidays to allow residents to prepare for the November 1 local government elections.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement signed by the Information Officer, Tanko Lawal, citing directives from the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman.
According to the statement, the work-free days aim to give voters ample time to go to their polling units and participate in the elections.
“All markets, banks, financial institutions, and public offices will remain closed, and movement of persons and vehicles will be restricted, except for essential duties,” the SSG said.
Lawal added that the government is encouraging all eligible voters to come out and exercise their civic rights on Saturday. “This election provides an opportunity for Nigerlites to elect capable leaders who will champion development and represent collective interests at the grassroots level,” he noted.
Governor Bago has also directed all security agencies in the state to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully and orderly.
The SSG reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a safe and hitch-free electoral process, emphasizing that citizens’ safety and access to polling units are top priorities.
Residents are advised to plan accordingly, considering the closures and restrictions on movement during the two-day holiday period.
The directive underscores the state government’s effort to facilitate maximum voter turnout and smooth conduct of the local government elections.