Eid el-Fitr: Contrary to Tradition, Tinubu to Celebrate Outside Abuja, Wike Hosts Sallah Homage
By Kabir Akintayo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice-president Kashim Shettima have arrived Lagos and Borno States respectively to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, which signifies the end of Ramadan.
The Nigeria Airforce Jet ‘001’ that conveys the President touched down at 4.30pm at the Presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja on Sunday. He was received by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and some of his cabinet members.
On arrival at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Maiduguri, Shettima was received by the Borno Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, members of the State Executive Council and party chieftains.
Read Also:
According to a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President will observe the moment with family while in prayers for Nigeria and will continue his official duties in Lagos during the Eid-el-Fitr holiday.
The Vice president, who is in his home state of Borno alongside his wife, Nana, is expected to use the opportunity to complete the remaining days of Ramadan with his kith and kin.
Shettima is expected to pay Sallah homage to the States’s paramount ruler, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn-Garbai on Sallah day.
Meanwhile, Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, will host the traditional homage ceremony in Abuja, an event which in recent years were conducted by the President with the support of the Vice President.
In times past, the FCT Minister would lead prominent Nigerians living in the city – party leaders, lawmakers, business men, traditional leaders and supporters, to pay homage to the President and his Deputy at the Presidential Villa.
This practice was actively adhered to by ex-Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.
