Nigeria, Feb. 20 -- The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday a work-free day and announced a 22-hour restriction of movement ahead of Saturday's Area Council elections.

Mr Wike, in a special broadcast on Thursday, said movement within the FCT would be restricted from 8 p.m. on Friday, 20 February, to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 21 February.

He said President Bola Tinubu approved the measures to ensure a smooth and orderly conduct of the elections.

In a broadcast aired on national television and radio stations, the minister urged residents of the FCT to come out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice.

"On Saturday, 21 February, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of o...