Joseph Bakare
President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that all celebrations including the forthcoming Eid-Al-Fitr should be limited due to the global Coronavirus crisis.
In view of this development, the President, First Family, his personal aides, members of the cabinet; as well as 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 at 9 a.m.
Shehu Garba, aide to Buhari, in a statement said that there would be no traditional Sallah homage to the President by the religious, community; or political leaders after the prayer.
”As was the case last year; Buhari encourages such leaders to be content with modest celebrations at home in view of the pandemic,” he said.
The presidential aide also quoted Buhari as especially thanking the Ulama (Islamic Clerics); as well as all other religious (Muslim, Christian) leaders who had been praying for the well-being 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,” he added.
Buhari called on all local leaders to talk to their youths; urging them to warn against being used to incite and foment violence.
“If we attack institutions guarding us, who will protect us in future emergencies?” the president wondered.