Work-free days: Lagos govt says 75 percent workforce resume within allotted period

IBRAHIM QUADRI

Lagos State Goverment on Wednesday explained the rationale behind its four free-wrok days given to the workers to get registered with Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, noting 75 percent of the workforce must be available throughout the period to ensure the smooth running of Government business.

In a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, the government debunked any political undertone, saying the decision to give the break was in line with the demand for workers to have time to get registered.

The statement read in part, “The approval of four work-free days (26th, 27th, 28th and 29th July 2022) to enable Lagos State Civil Servants obtain their Permanent Voters’ Cards 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.”

The State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved four work free days for workers in the State for them to register with  INEC and get their Permanent Voters Cards, PVC.

In a statement signed by the State Head of Service, Mr Muri Okunola, the free day for workers began from  26th July till Friday 29th July before the deadline given by the electoral body for prospective voters to get registered.

The statement which was titled, ‘Collection of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) directed the Accounting Officers to ensure compliance, adding that workers were expected to bring along their PVC while returning for work.

The designated dates, according to the Head of Service are, Tuesday 26th- Grade Levels concerned are 01, 03, 07 & 15.

For Wednesday 27th July, the Grade Levels affected are 02, 04, 08 & 13. Thursday 28th July, Grade Levels 05, 09, 12 & 17 while Friday 29th July is dedicated for Grade Levels 06, 10, 14 & 16.