By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
In deference to the lockdown measures in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and the protocols established by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other health bodies both within Nigeria and globally, President Muhammadu Buhari said on Friday that he would observe the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations at home with family.
This is unlike the religious showboating antics of some Northern governors who are insisting on opening up religious centres for the celebrations.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State says religious houses could open up, even though his state has the second highest number of coronavirus cases in Nigeria. Bauchi and Jigawa states have also relaxed restrictions on religious places.
But President Buhari says that is not for him. A statement by Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, which was sent to TheNiche on Friday reiterated the President’s position.
“With the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations around the corner and the month-long Ramadan fast coming to an end, President Muhammadu Buhari will be conducting his Eid prayers with his family at home,” Shehu wrote.
“This is in observance of the lockdown measures in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, put in place ‘to save lives and protect people from all dangers.’
“This is also in line with the directive of the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III suspending Eid congregational prayers across the country as well as the protocol against mass gathering issued by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
“Further to this, the President who has traditionally shared the joyous moment with top government officials, political leaders, community heads, Muslim and Christian religious leaders and children, will not be receiving these homages in a bid to stop the coronavirus from further spreading.”