Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has officially declared Friday, October 4th, as a work-free day in preparation for the local government elections taking place on October 5th.

The announcement came through a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, on Thursday in Makurdi.

This move is designed to enable eligible voters to travel to their respective local government areas, ensuring they have the time and opportunity to participate fully in the election process.

Governor Alia emphasized the critical role of civic engagement in strengthening democracy and urged the citizens to seize this chance to make their voices heard at the local level.

The governor highlighted the significance of active involvement in the electoral process, expressing optimism that with widespread participation, the elections would run smoothly, fairly, and with the desired transparency.

He further called on both public and private sector organizations to align with this initiative, encouraging them to support their employees in taking part in the democratic exercise.

Governor Alia also stressed the importance of peaceful behaviour and cooperation throughout the election period.

He appealed to citizens, political parties, and stakeholders to prioritize unity and ensure that the process unfolds without disruptions.

By fostering a spirit of collaboration, he believes that the elections will not only be a success but will also strengthen the bonds of community and democracy within the state.

In his message, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election.

He reiterated that this work-free day was a crucial step toward making sure that every eligible voter had the opportunity to cast their ballot without any obstacles, reinforcing the essence of civic responsibility.