President Muhammadu Buhari has directed Nigerian Muslims to observe a moderate celebration of Eid-el-Fitri to mark the end of Ramadan because of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Publicity Mallam Garba Shehu, the President, just like last year, cancelled the traditional Sallah homage during which time he receives religious, traditional and political leaders at the State House.
The President will be restricted to having a low-key Eid prayer on the forecourt of Presidential Villa with his family and few public servants.
“To this effect, the President, First Family, his personal aides, members of cabinet and Service Chiefs who choose to remain in Abuja will congregate in full compliance with COVID-19 protocols at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa to observe the Eid prayers. Time fixed for the prayer is 9:00am.
“Thereafter, there will be no traditional Sallah homage to the President by religious, community and political leaders. As was the case last year, the President encourages such leaders to be content with modest celebrations at home in view of the pandemic.
“President Buhari specially thanks the Ulama (Islamic clerics) and all other religious (Muslim, Christian) leaders who continue to pray for the wellbeing of the nation and its people”, the statement said.
Buhari, yesterday, joined worshippers for the closing session of the Ramadan Tafsir at the State House Mosque.
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