Buhari to sit at home to observe Eid prayers with family

President Muhammadu Buhari will remain in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja to observe Eid prayers to mark the end of the Ramadan fast this weekend.

The president usually flies to his native Daura in Katsina State to celebrate the annual religious event, with prayers observed in large crowds that gather at the mosque.

However, the presidency said in a statement on Friday, May 22, 2020 that Buhari will be conducting his Eid prayers with his family at home. "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," the president's spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said in a brief statement.

Eid El Fitri : FG declares Monday and Tuesday public holiday

The Federal Government has declared Monday and Tuesday as public holidays to mark Eldi Fitri Celebration. The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in Abuja.

Aregbesola congratulated all Muslim faithful for successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

A statement by the Director of Press in the Ministry, Mohammed Manga, quoted Aregbesola as calling on Muslim faithful to replicate the life of kindness, love, tolerance, peace and good neighbourliness as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

The Minister however expressed his concern about the spate of ethnic conflicts that has resurfaced in some parts of Northern Nigeria in recent times.

He advised Nigerians to see themselves as a single entity and learn to tolerate one another despite their ethnic and religious differences.

Aregbesola further assured Nigerians that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was fully committed to battling COVID-19.

While commending the security agencies for the successes so far recorded in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, he advised Nigerians to take responsibility against the spread of the COVID-19.

The Minister reminded Muslims to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.