1 month ago
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As part of preparations for the local government elections in Plateau State, scheduled for 9th October 2024, the state government declared Wednesday a work-free day on Monday.
Additionally, the state Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, announced a restriction of movement across the state from midnight to 6 pm on Wednesday.
The Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, made the public holiday announcement in a statement on Monday.
He explained that the measure would not only allow public servants to travel to their respective local government areas to participate in the elections but also enable all eligible voters to take part in the poll.
The statement read, in part: “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang, has declared Tuesday, 8th October 2024, as a half-day of work to allow public servants to travel to their respective local government areas to participate in the chairmanship and councillorship elections.
“Similarly, Wednesday, 9th October, the day of the election, has been declared a work-free day.”
The statement, quoting the governor, urged citizens to conduct themselves peacefully during the elections. It added, “The Executive Governor further encourages all registered voters to come out en masse to fulfil their civic duty at the polls.”
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Adesina, addressing a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, emphasised the importance of a peaceful and secure environment to ensure eligible voters can freely exercise their right to vote.
The police chief highlighted that the movement restriction aims to prevent potential security threats and ensure voters can cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.
Adesina also urged politicians to refrain from making inflammatory statements and cooperate for a peaceful electoral process.
He noted that restricting movement would help authorities monitor and control the situation, reducing the risk of disruptions or violence.
“The people of Plateau State are eager to exercise their right to vote and choose their local government representatives. The restriction of movement may cause some inconvenience, but it is a necessary measure to ensure the safety and security of all voters,” the Commissioner stated.
Our correspondent reports that the stakeholders’ meeting, held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Jos, was attended by religious leaders, youth groups, political party leaders, and women’s groups, among others.
