By Williams Anuku, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari and his immediate family members have settled for a low key Sallah celebration in Abuja.
According to the itinerary for the President this festive season, Buhari is expected to observe the Eid El-Kabir prayers with his family at home.
He followed the same routine during the Eid El-Fitr which was observed 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 that such celebrations should be low keyed.
As a way of caution, the President wished all muslims a safe and happy Eid, but reiterated the protocols as issued by the PTF that large gatherings, as much as possible, should be discouraged.
He said 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 cautioned.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Task Force on Covid 19, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has rescheduled its daily briefings to the 3rd of August 2020.
The announcement comes just as the Federal Government declared Thursday and Friday this week as public holidays to enable Muslim faithfuls observe the sallah.
In the past when such celebrations hold, the President either travels to his home town, Daura in Katsina state or chooses to remain in the villa where some of his loyalists come to pay him homage.
