Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has approved congregational Eid prayers despite steady rise coronavirus cases in the state.
The governor’s special adviser on media, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, explained that the government took the decision after a meeting between Ganduje and religious leaders in the state, on Monday.
The development comes less than 24 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari extended the lockdown in the state by two weeks.
Yakasai said the decision is based on the recommendation from 30 Islamic scholars in the state.
“Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has accepted and approved recommendations by a selection of 30 Islamic scholars in Kano for the Government to allow Friday Prayers to hold as well as Eid Prayers,” the statement read.
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“The Governor gave this directive after a lengthy consultation with the Islamic Scholars and other government officials at Africa House, in the Government House.’
“This means that the relaxation of the lockdown on the days of Monday and Thursday will continue, but Friday prayers will also be allowed as well as Eid Prayers, but traditional Eid celebrations in the State will not be allowed.
“The Imams have also been directed to ensure that everyone wears a face mask, as well as the use of sanitizers and washing of hands. They should also observe spacing as well as making brief sermon and observing social distancing.’’
“The State Government has also inaugurated a committee that will oversee the distribution of hand sanitizers, Sanitation equipment as well as face masks among others to Imams of Friday Mosques in the State.”
Records show the state has the second-highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country with 842 recorded cases as of Monday.
