By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, has asked religious, community and political leaders not to visit the Villa for the Eid Al-Fitr, a day set to mark the end of Ramadan.
He explained that this is in compliance with COVID-19 regulations.
In a press statement issued by his Media Aide on Sunday, May 9, 2021, the President said as was the case last year, celebrations should be done at home and modestly.
The statement said: “As Muslims in Nigeria join others globally in preparations towards Eid Al-Fitr, a day that is celebrated to mark the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, President Buhari directs that all celebrations be limited due to the global Coronavirus crisis.
“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 President, in addition, takes this opportunity to condole with all who lost family members due to what he described as the ‘madness’ going on in parts of the country.”
Buhari called on all local leaders to interact with their youths and “warn them against being used to incite and foment violence.”
“If we attack institutions guarding us, who will protect us in future emergencies?” he queried.