Eid-El-Fitr: Buhari bans Sallah homage, directs limited celebrations

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the forthcoming Eid celebrations in the country should be limited, as he banned Sallah homage.

Buhari said that the directive became necessary due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Sunday in Abuja.

The statement said that President Buhari would not be travelling to his country home in Daura, Katsina State.

‘’He revealed that the President would stay behind at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to celebrate the end of this year’s Ramadan,’’ said the statement.

It, however, stated that the celebration would be held low-key and President Buhari would not welcome any Sallah homage as it was the usual practice.

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“The President, first family, his personal aides, members of the 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,’’ the statement said.

“Time fixed for the prayer is 9 am. Thereafter, there will be no traditional Sallah homage to the President by the 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 thanked the Ulama – also known as Islamic clerics – and all other religious (Muslim and Christian) leaders who have continued to pray for the wellbeing of the nation and its people.

‘’He also used the opportunity of the occasion to condole with all those who have 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.’’