Just In: COVID-19: FG Takes New Decision On Public Gathering Ahead Of Eid

The Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari has restricted public gatherings in the country to 20 persons ahead of Eldi Fitri Celebration amid Coronavirus in Nigeria.

Naija News reports that the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this on Thursday at the ongoing briefing of the taskforce.

The Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19 said the decision is a measure to contain the spread of Coronavirus in Nigeria.

“A strong advisory from the PTF is that large gatherings beyond 20 persons remain restricted,” Mustapha said.

The Secretary to Government of the Federation disclosed that the House of Representatives has set up an ad-hoc committee to work with the taskforce.

Meanwhile, the Buhari government has declared Monday, May 25 and Tuesday, May 26 as public holidays to mark Eldi Fitri Celebration.

Naija News reports that the declaration was made on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

A statement by Mohammed Manga, the Director of Press in the Ministry, 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 of Interior, however, expressed his concern about the spate of ethnic conflicts that have resurfaced in some parts of Northern Nigeria in recent times.

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

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