President Muhammadu Buhari will observe this year’s Eid-el-Kabir prayers with his family members in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, on Wednesday.
According to Shehu, the decision is in line with protocols to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The presidential aide said his principal has also banned well-wishers from paying him the traditional Sallah homage.
The statement read: “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.
“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.
“He once again wishes all citizens a safe and happy Eid.”
President Buhari had also in May observed the Eid-el-Fitr prayers marking the end of the Muslim Ramadan fast at the Presidential Villa.
He also barred well-wishers from visiting him at the Villa.
