The Ebonyi State Government has declared Friday this week as Public Holiday to enable civil and public servants travel in preparation for Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly polls.
Governor David Umahi announced this on Monday during a night of praise organized by the Divine Mandate Campaign Organisation to mark the completion of its governorship campaign rally across the 13 local government areas of the State.
Governor Umahi also revealed that he had directed that Civil Servants salaries be paid by February 10 to facilitate their full participation in the exercise and expressed optimism that the concerned agencies had carried out the directive.
He enjoined all and sundry in the State to go out boldly on that day to vote for all the Peoples Democratic Party candidates as well as stay around to protect and defend their votes
Umahi, who expressed confidence that God had already given the PDP victory over their opponents, said he was only awaiting the full celebration of the victory after the elections.
He appreciated members of the Campaign Organisation for their sacrifices, which ensured the successful completion of his local government campaign tours.
He said: “And on Friday, by the powers vested on my office, I want to declare a public holiday on Friday.
“All offices closed, all markets closed; go back to your homes, take a rest and get set for victory on Saturday.
“I directed that all Civil Servants must be paid from the 10th before the 16th, being the election.
“I want to believe that they have all collected their salaries.
“If you have not, you let us know.
“On Saturday, just move to your polling unit and when you are going, you will bw singing a victorious song.
“Then on the 3rd, which is the ceiling of our victory, God has directed that we make it praise galore…
“We are not doing election, for God has won the election for us.”
In his brief exhortation, renowned fiery preacher, Dr. Uma Ukpai, who presided over the Praise Night, maintained that God fights for those in right standing with Him to conquer enemies before them.
Reading from the Bible book of I I Chronicles 20: 22, Ukpai drew inference from the victory experience of the Israelites against their enemies as they sang and praised the Lord.
He concluded that God will always arise to fight for those who diligently seek and praise him in songs during their battles and trials.
The event featured prayers for peaceful elections at all levels.
Recall that the Divine Mandate, the campaign platform of Governor Umahi, in collaboration with the PDP in the State kicked-off its local government Campaigns for the re-election of Umahi in Ikwo on January 18, which terminated in Ohaozara Local Government on February 9.