Ahead of the gubernatorial election in Edo state, the government has declared Friday, September 18, as a work-free day to enable workers in the state public service travel to their respective constituencies to exercise their franchise.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Edo state head of service, through the permanent secretary, Mrs. Aziegbemhin P.E, according to Legit.

Part of the statement read: “Sequel to the forthcoming Edo state gubernatorial election scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 19, 2020, Mr Governor has approved Friday 18th September 2020 as a work-free day to enable workers in the state public service travel to their respective constituencies to exercise their franchise.

“Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments are requested to bring the contents of this circular to the attention of their staff.”

Meanwhile, Governor Godwin Obaseki has said his second term ambition is not worth spilling the blood of anyone, reassuring that the forthcoming election in the state would be peaceful and violence-free.

Speaking shortly after a one-day prayer and fasting session for a peaceful election, organized by the Edo Christian Community for all the governorship candidates ahead of the election, Obaseki urged eligible voters to come out en masse without fear of intimidation or harassment.

The governor, who noted that there is no need for any form of violence during the electioneering process, expressed confidence that with the support of the people and his administration’s performance in the first term, his party will emerge victoriously.

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Governor Obaseki said:“Ordinarily, an election is supposed to be a contest where people go to sell their ideas, and citizens in their own free will go and vote for those ideals they believe in; it shouldn't be one where people will do anything to get power.

“Election should not be one in which we shed blood because the election will always come. If you die in an election, you will not be there in the next one to vote. So there is no need for violence.

“It's unfortunate that where we are today we are all afraid that there will be trouble, that there will be crisis and violence but by the grace of God, we will all come out and vote and there won't be any bloodshed.

“There is no need for any violence and if anybody decides to act in a violent manner just walk away because our lives are very precious. I have a covenant with God; if it will cost the blood of anybody for me to get into power, he should not let me have power.”

In a related development, the Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign council has stated that the allegation that it plans to burn the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the election 19 is false.