Civil Servants In Anambra Get Work-Free Friday As Governor Soludo Pushes For Massive Turnout In Governorship Poll

 

The Anambra State Government has officially declared Friday, November 7, 2025, as a work-free day for all civil servants across the state. The decision, approved by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, aims to encourage eligible voters, especially public workers, to actively participate in the highly anticipated governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.

According to a formal statement released on Thursday, November 6, by the Head of Service, Mrs. Theodora Igwegbe, the work-free day takes effect immediately and applies to all ministries, departments, and agencies of the state government. The announcement was made to provide public servants with adequate time to travel to their respective local government areas and communities where they are registered to vote.

Mrs. Igwegbe explained that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering democratic participation and ensuring that no eligible worker is disenfranchised due to work obligations. She emphasized that active voter involvement is the foundation of representative governance and urged civil servants to take advantage of the opportunity to perform their civic duties responsibly.

Governor Soludo’s administration, according to the statement, views elections as a defining moment in the democratic journey of any state, and the participation of public sector workers forms a critical component of that process. The Head of Service therefore noted that the governor’s decision underscores his belief that the success of any democracy depends on an engaged and informed citizenry.

The government’s move has generated commendation from various quarters, particularly from the state workforce and civic groups, who see it as a forward-thinking step toward increasing voter turnout. Political analysts also described the decision as a practical measure to strengthen electoral credibility by ensuring that a significant portion of the voting population is not constrained by official duties.

Mrs. Igwegbe further directed all permanent secretaries, political appointees, and heads of agencies to ensure that their staff members are fully informed of the directive and that compliance is total. She highlighted that the state government expects civil servants to use the free day responsibly, emphasizing that participation in the election is not only a right but a responsibility that contributes to the future of the state.

Observers believe that the declaration could have a positive impact on the election atmosphere in Anambra, as thousands of workers who ordinarily might have struggled with logistics or travel will now have the flexibility to relocate ahead of the polls. The work-free day also reduces the pressure on the transportation network and helps residents prepare adequately for the election day restrictions expected to follow.

Beyond logistical benefits, the initiative is also seen as a confidence-building gesture from the Soludo administration, reinforcing the government’s stated commitment to transparent and inclusive governance. Many public servants have interpreted the gesture as an acknowledgment of their role as both administrators and citizens who shape the destiny of the state through the ballot.

Community leaders and electoral observers have lauded the state government for prioritizing the participation of workers, stressing that inclusive electoral engagement enhances legitimacy and accountability in governance. They noted that when citizens are empowered to participate freely, the outcome of elections better reflects the will of the people.

Mrs. Igwegbe reminded civil servants that the government’s expectation is not merely to provide time off but to see them actively involved in the voting process. She described voting as a duty that strengthens democracy and as an act of patriotism that helps secure the progress and stability of Anambra State.

As preparations intensify for the governorship election, security agencies, electoral officials, and political parties have also been mobilizing to ensure a peaceful and credible process. The state’s gesture, analysts say, complements these efforts by removing one of the major non-political barriers to voter participation—work obligations.

With the countdown to Saturday’s poll underway, the atmosphere in Anambra is charged with anticipation. The declaration of a work-free Friday now sets the tone for what is expected to be one of the most closely watched elections in the state’s history. Civil servants, community leaders, and residents alike are being urged to take full advantage of the opportunity to contribute their voices to the democratic process and shape the future leadership of the state.

The Head of Service concluded her statement with a call for peace, responsibility, and patriotism during the election period. She reaffirmed the government’s faith in the capacity of Anambra citizens to conduct themselves honorably and to make choices that reflect the values of integrity, unity, and progress that the state stands for.