In a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Abubakar prayed that Allah should assist Muslims in the discharge of their religious duties.

It read “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Sunday, August 8, which is equivalent to 29th day of Dhul-Hajj 1442AH shall be the day to look out for the new moon of Muharram 1443AH. Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking out for the new moon on Sunday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan”

The president made the call at a meeting with a delegation of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the State House, Abuja.

Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, the President told the royal fathers “we have heard the loud cries of our youth and children, and we are attending to their concerns.”

He, however, stressed that “To succeed in all of this, we would require your support and voice to help amplify the message. Your proximity to the people places you in a unique position to communicate and ensure that our response is targeted and impactful.”

Describing their “role as guardians of our traditional values and culture” as most critical, the President urged them not to compromise their neutrality “because this is what significantly confers on you, your moral authority and legitimacy.”

The President, also revealed that his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, would lead senior government officials to various parts of the country “and directly engage with you as part of this process. He will be reporting back to me on your various perspectives.

“I want to once again thank you for the role you all have played to calm down our youth with wisdom and authority. By instilling hope and keeping the peace, you have rendered the country great service,” he added.