Tight security, cash squeeze as muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday assured all Nigerians of their safety, as Muslims to celebrate a ‘low-key’ Eid-el-Kabir, on account of nation-wide tight cash conditions.

In a goodwill message to mark the annual Islamic celebrations, Buhari  directed the Armed Forces and national security agencies to provide maximum security across the nation during Eid-El-Kabir prayers and celebrations, especially in areas most vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

Buhari assured that the days of Boko Haram insurgents are numbered and that the safety, well-being and progress remains the focus of his government.

He committed to continue to work to deliver the positive changes in national life which Nigerians expect of him, as he extended heartfelt commiserations to families in Maiduguri and North-Eastern Nigeria who have sadly lost beloved relatives in recent terrorist attacks.

“President Buhari’s  thoughts and prayers for divine solace are with all those who have been callously plunged into mourning by mindless terrorists, when others are celebrating this year’s Eid-El-Kabir”, Garba said.

He also congratulated Nigerian muslims currently in Saudi Arabia to participate in the rites of the Hajj. The president urged muslims and other Nigerians to rededicate themselves to a greater acceptance and internalisation of its lessons of piety, faithfulness, dedication, fortitude, obedience, sacrifice and selfless service which are for the benefit of all mankind.

The President called for  more  patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all,  as his administration strives to lead the nation towards rapidly overcoming its current security, economic and developmental challenges.

Solomon Arase, Inspector-General of Police, also directed an effective and extensive deployment of policemen and logistics across the country during the Eid el-Kabir celebrations.

The directive was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Force spokesperson, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Olabisi Kolawole.

The Inspector-General promised that the Nigeria Police would provide robust security throughout the period of the festival.

He also mandated all Assistant Inspectors-General and command commissioners to ensure adequate security with standard operation procedures to secure key and vulnerable points before, during and after the festival.

Meanwhile, this year’s Eid-el-Kabir is coming at a time of very tight cash conditions in the country, which has affected effective budget implementation and delayed salaries.

Some civil servants who spoke to BusinessDay said the late salary payment by the Federal Government has adverely affected their celebration plans because of lack of money.

“During the last administration, we got our pay earlier once there was a celebration like this, considering the economic implication of the celebration. As at now,we have not yet been paid by the government and it has affected our plans. Remember,schools just resumed and our children have gone back to school with their school fees. Now there is no money for the celebrations”, said one civil servant.

Despite the financial squeeze, a large of people were seen traveling out of Abuja particularly to the northern parts of the country.

There was also a beehive of activities going on in ram markets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Market checks in Kubwa, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory reveals that the biggest ram sold for N130, 000 and the smallest sold for N35 000 yesterday. An Abuja resident, Danladi Abubakar who spoke to BusinessDay said the price would likely be lower on the eve of the celebrations.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, felicitated with the Muslim faithful on this year’s celebration of Eid-el-Kabir and urged Nigerians to make the fear of God the foundation for their lives.

Scores of passengers were seen on Wednesday at major airline’ counters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos  as most in-bound passengers were seen arriving the airport while out-bound passengers were busy purchasing tickets to travel to their various destinations across the country.

Government has already declared Thursday and Friday public holidays while the holiday will also spill into the weekend, making it a long holiday for Muslim faithfuls.

“It is likely that air fare will increase, say from midnight, if you go online from that period, you could see a little increase, just like it will across the counter due to the large turn out of passengers, it is expected because people will still travel”, a ticketing officer said.

Elizabeth Archibong,  Keinde Akintola, Owede Agbajileke,  Harrison Edeh, Kehinde Abdusalam, and Sade Williams