July 27, 2022

…Says it’s mischievous to read political meaning into a sincere gesture

The Lagos State government has clarified the reason for the approval of four work-free days (26th, 27th, 28th and 29th July 2022) in the state.

According to the LASG this is to enable Lagos State Civil Servants obtain their Permanent Voters’ Cards.

In a statement by Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information & Strategy in the State on Wednesday, the reason has been largely misconstrued. It has therefore become necessary to set the records straight and put the approval granted by Mr. Governor in proper context.

Mr. Governor’s approval was in response to agitations by Civil Servants for an opportunity to register and collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards before the Independent National Election Commission’s (INEC) deadline of 31st July 2022.

In granting his approval, Mr. Governor made it clear that seventy-five percent (75%) of the workforce must be available throughout the four days to ensure the smooth running of Government business.

“This explains why the Junior, Middle management and Senior Officers in the Public Service were batched according to Grade Levels and allotted one day per batch to ensure that no Public Servant would be denied the opportunity of fulfilling his/her civic duty, being the right of every citizen, particularly to participate in the upcoming Y2023 general elections.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Circular Ref. No. CIR/HOS/’22/Vol.1/034 of 25 July 2022 which is titled: Collection of Permanent Voters’ Card, is in the public domain.

“This clarification has, therefore, become necessary to debunk the falsehood and deliberate misinformation being perpetuated by mischief workers, perhaps with a deliberate intention of politicising a standard administrative process.

“The same administrative mechanism was deployed during the COVID-19 Pandemic to ensure social distance as well as public health and safety when only twenty-five percent (25%) of Lagos State Government workers conducted Government business effectively and efficiently, while other public servants worked remotely or from home.

“It is mischievous and dishonest to read political meaning into a sincere gesture.