President Buhari has assured Nigerians that lockdown measures put in place to curb the spread of coronavirus would not remain longer than necessary.
The President gave the assurance in his Eid-el-Fitri message to Muslims.
The statement issued on Saturday was signed by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu.
Buhari was quoted as saying that COVID-19, which caught the world off guard has dampened “a time of celebration for the Muslim faithful to mark the end of the Ramadan fasting period.”
According to him, he is aware of the inconveniences the lockdown and other measures put in place to curb the spread of coronavirus has caused Nigerians.
Buhari stressed;
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.
Speaking further, the President said;
It is not easy to give up many of these important duties and activities but it became imperative to do so in order to control or limit the spread of this deadly disease.
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.
President Buhari also commended other residents of the country whose means of livelihoods have been badly affected by the prolonged lockdown measures for their understanding and cooperation.
He also urged citizens to continue in helping neighbors and the less well-to-do “so that we can all come out of this pandemic stronger and more united.”
The President added;
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.
He prayed to Allah to ease the hardship among in the country and help in the fight against the pandemic.
