THE Osun State Government has announced a work-free day for all categories of public servants on Tuesday to enable workers collect their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, ahead of the forthcoming governorship election and future polls.
The directive, approved by Governor Ademola Adeleke, covers workers in the state civil service, local government councils, tertiary institutions and other public establishments across Osun State.
The decision was communicated through a circular issued by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, who said the temporary suspension of official duties was intended to encourage eligible public workers to fulfil their civic responsibility by obtaining their PVCs.
According to the circular, “the government considers voter participation an essential democratic obligation and wants to ensure that no eligible public servant is prevented from collecting a voter card because of work commitments.”
The circular, however, stated that personnel providing essential services, including healthcare workers and security operatives, should make adequate internal arrangements to ensure uninterrupted service delivery during the work-free period.
It noted that the exemption was necessary to prevent any disruption that could adversely affect residents who rely on critical public services.
Governor Adeleke also called on workers outside the formal public service and other registered voters across the state to take advantage of the PVC collection exercise before the deadline.
“I encourage all registered voters to reach all the collection points without delay. Your vote is your power. Your voters card is your licence to the ballot paper and by extension to the ballot box,” the governor said.
The governor stressed that widespread participation in the PVC collection exercise would strengthen citizens’ involvement in the electoral process, particularly as the state prepares for next month’s governorship election.