President Muhammadu Buhari has yet banned Sallah homages for Eid-el-Adha, just as he did for Eid-el-Fitr, saying it was in line with the advisories of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19.
The President announced that he would be celebrating the festival with his family alone as their Eid prayers would also be said at home.
This was contained in a statement by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesperson today in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
According to Shehu, “President Muhammadu Buhari will observe the Eid El-Kabir prayers with his family at home, just as he did during the Eid El-Fitr a little over two months ago, in line with advisories from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA and the Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19.
“In wishing all Muslims a safe and happy Eid, the President reiterated the protocols as issued by the PTF that large gatherings, as much as possible, should be discouraged. Where small groups choose to hold the Eid together, face masks are absolutely necessary, as is social distancing. Advisedly, such prayers should hold outdoors and worshippers are encouraged to bring their own prayer mats.
“In order to stop the spread of the disease, the President will not be receiving Sallah homages by religious, community, party and government leaders and urges all citizens to observe the occasion as advised by state and local authorities.
Buhari wished all citizens a safe and happy Eid.