Governor Bassey Otu‘s government of Cross River State has designated this week’s Thursday and Friday as public holidays.
Naija News understands that the break was declared to promote comprehensive voter participation in the state’s forthcoming local government elections.
The holiday was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Nsa Gill.
The statement noted that the holiday is intended to allow eligible voters to travel from Calabar to various destinations throughout the state.
The two-day holiday, occurring before the elections set for Saturday, November 2, aims to afford residents sufficient time to prepare for and engage in the electoral process.
In a statement provided to the media on Wednesday, Gill underscored the significance of civic involvement, encouraging all eligible voters to seize this opportunity to express their opinions.
“The decision to declare these days as public holidays is in recognition of the need for citizens to exercise their right to vote without any hindrances,” Gill stated.
He urged residents to actively engage in the electoral process and contribute to shaping the governance of their local councils.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State chapter of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has confirmed its participation in the upcoming November 16 governorship election, dismissing rumours that it plans to merge with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
The party’s State Chairman, Cornelius Akintoye, made this clear during a telephone conversation with Punch on Tuesday.
Akintoye emphasized that ZLP remains one of the 16 political parties contesting the governorship race and is actively working to secure victory.
While acknowledging that some individuals affiliated with the ZLP may have chosen to join the PDP, Akintoye clarified that these movements do not reflect the party’s official position, which is committed to its independent campaign and strategy for the election.