The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has stated that the forthcoming Eid celebrations in the country should be limited.
Therefore, he has banned Sallah homage and encouraged that Muslims should have limited celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed that President Buhari would not be travelling to his country home in Daura, Katsina State.
Rather, he revealed that the President would stay behind at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to celebrate the end of this year’s Ramadan.
Shehu, however, explained that the celebration would be held low-key and President Buhari would not welcome any Sallah homage as it was the usual practice.
“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,” he said.
The presidential aide added, “Time fixed for the prayer is 9am. 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 appreciated the Ulama – also known as Islamic clerics – and all other religious (Muslim and Christian) leaders who have continued to pray for the wellbeing of the nation and its people.
