TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari says he will be observing Eid El-Kabir prayers at home with his family owing to the measures put in place to curb COVID-19.

In a statement Garba Shehu, his spokesman, issued on his behalf, Buhari said he will not be receiving any visitor during the Sallah celebrations.

He said the decision is in line with directives from the presidential task force on COVID-19.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, the president hosted different groups during Sallah