For the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Buhari observed Eid-ul-Fitri prayers outside the Presidential Villa. The Nigerian president joined other Muslim faithful at the Mambila Barracks Eid ground in Abuja
The President, accompanied by some of his family members and personnel aides, arrived at the venue of the event at about 9.00 a.m.
Some members of the Federal Executive Council, security chiefs, heads of para-military organisations and government officials joined him at the praying ground.
In a sermon (Khutba), shortly after leading the prayers, the Presiding Imam Lt Col Hamisu Mustapha, represented by Warrant Officer Dahiru Shuwa, admonished the congregation to keep alive the virtues and values of Ramadan even after the holy month for eternal peace and salvation.
He stressed the need for genuine repentance from sin, love for one another, forgiveness, tolerance and constant prayers to Allah as the weapon against all misfortunes of life.
The Imam was also emphatic that extra effort must be made in obeying the commandments of Allah, exercising patience at all times for his sake as well as maintaining the competition in good deeds for humanity, mutual cooperation and brotherhood.
Special prayers were offered for an end to the various challenges bedeviling the country, peaceful 2023 elections, as well as sustainable national unity, stability and prosperity.
Dahiru-Shuwa, in his sermon, also prayed for peace and stability of the country, calling on citizens to continue to pray and support the nation’s security agencies in their fight against terrorism and violent crimes across the country.
Responding to questions after the prayer session, President Buhari admitted to be having sleepless nights over the security situation in parts of the country.
He, however, promised to spare no efforts at dealing decisively and mercilessly with the criminal gangs. On the forthcoming general elections, the president reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to free, fair and transparent process.
The president attended sessions of the interpretation of the Qur’an (Tafsir) at the State House Mosque all through Ramadan.
He had also used his evenings to host guests from cross sections of the country to Iftar (breaking of fast).