By Uche Mbah
President Muhammadu Buhari has banned visitors during the coming Sallah celebrations in Aso Rock due to the social distancing occasioned by the rampaging COVID 19 Pandemic.
The Federal Government has already declared Thursday and Friday Public Holidays to celebrate the Eid-el Fitrs Muslim festival, a remembrance of the story of Ibrahim’s attempted sacrifice of Ishiaku to Allah.
The President, through a statement by one of his spokespersons, Garba Shehu, said he will observe the Sallah privately with his immediate family in line with advisories from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA and the Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19.
He has, therefore, banned all forms of homage by religious bodies, Community leaders, party leaders, and government officials. He, however, enjoined all to observe the COVID 19 Protocol during the festival.
“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”, the statement said.
“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. He once again wishes all citizens a safe and happy Eid.”
Recall that two months ago, during the Ramadan festival, he also discouraged visitors from solidarity visits to Aso Rock during the period. This was in the heat of COVID 19 lockdown. Currently, the current partial lockdown has been extended for one week.
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