COVID-19: No visitors during Sallah as Buhari plans modest celebration at home

President Muhammadu Buhari says he will observe a private Eid-el-Fitr at the presidential villa.

In a statement on Sunday, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said Buhari has directed all Eid Al-Fitr celebrations to be limited due to COVID-19.

He said, as a result, the president will not receive visitors during the celebration.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

According to Shehu, the president also sent his condolences to those who lost their loved ones due to the insecurity which he described as “madness” plaguing the country.

He said the president also called on all local leaders to talk to their youths and warn them against being used to perpetrate violence. 

“If we attack institutions guarding us, who will protect us in future emergencies?” Buhari queried.