President Buhari in his Eid-el Fitri message has assured Nigerians that the lockdown will not be prolonged more than necessary.
The President gave the assurance to Muslim faithful in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu.
Mallam Garba quoted President Buhari saying COVID-19 Pandemic “which caught the world off guard, and has put a damper on what would otherwise have been a time of celebration for the Muslim faithful to mark the end of the Ramadan fasting period.”
“For the first time in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the people’s spiritual, social and economic lives.”
Buhari noted that 2020 Ramadan fast was difficult for Muslims who had to forgo many aspects of the prayer season due to the pandemic.
The President, however, commended the co-operative efforts of both Christians and Muslims who have adhered strictly to stipulated guidelines of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
“Let me use this opportunity to commend the sacrifices of both Muslims and Christians for their cooperation in the enforcement of the social distancing guidelines. I am well aware of the inconveniences these tough measures have brought on the lives of Nigerians, including limiting religious activities and gatherings in large numbers,”
“No government would intentionally impose these tough and demanding measures on its citizens if it had a choice.”
He appealed to citizens “whose businesses and means of livelihoods were badly affected by the prolonged lockdown measures for their understanding and cooperation.”
Nigeria’s number 1 citizen said, “this year’s Eid event is an occasion for sober reflection rather than celebration because of the long shadows of gloom that the coronavirus has cast on people’s lives.”