President Muhammadu Buhari has warned that he would not welcome Sallah homage by religious, community and political leaders during this year’s Eid-el-Fitri celebration.
Eid-el-Fitri marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting for muslims.
The warning is in obvious compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
The president also encouraged religious, community and political leaders to be contented with modest celebrations at home in view of the pandemic.
He said that he would, along with his family, personal aides, members of cabinet and Service Chiefs who might choose to remain in Abuja would congregate in full compliance with COVID-19 protocols at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa to observe the Eid prayers.
The time of prayer, he said, had been fixed for 9:00am.
President Buhari was quoted as specially thanking the Ulama (Islamic Clerics) and all other religious (Muslim, Christian) leaders who continued to pray for the wellbeing of the nation and its people.
In addition, he commiserated with all who lost family members due to what he described as the ‘madness’ going on in parts of the country.
The president called on all local leaders to talk to their youths and warn them against being used to incite and foment violence.
“If we attack institutions guarding us,” the President wonders, “who will protect us in future emergencies?”
