Family of the late former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, said there would not be congregational prayers to mark his 40th-day fidau prayers.
The family said in Abuja that the decision was in compliance with the subsisting COVID-19 protocols.
Eldest son of the politician, Alhaji Musa Mantu confirmed the decision to newsmen in Abuja.
He received the newsmen at the gate of the family house in Asokoro, Abuja.
Musa, who wore a mask, ensured that the few visitors who come to the house are thoroughly guided to comply with the stated rule of maintaining social distancing.
He confirmed to the newsmen that: “the family has decided to cancel the congregational prayers at the residence because we do not want to break the law.
“Some family members, friends and former associates of our father who had missed the opportunity to visit the family since the sad event occurred have been contacting us and making travelling plans to come and commiserate with us.
“As stated in the media release we made, which I signed with my brother, we want to plead with our well-wishers to spend the day to pray for the repose of his soul and always put the family in their prayers.
“As you can see, the Covid-19 protocol is taking new dimension and changing the way the world is relating almost on a daily basis.
“The family will always want to be law abiding and comply with all rules and regulations as stipulated by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control.
“Even before now, you can see the message we have always had at the entrance of the house,” Musa said.
He handed newsmen copies of the statement he jointly signed with his brother, Dr Umar Ibrahim Mantu.
According to the statement, “we wish to inform the public that in view of the NCDC COVID-19 safety protocols, the family has decided that there will be no 40th day congregation prayer at his residence.
“We take solace in the fact that death is inevitable and the ultimate end of all mankind.
“Hence, we urge everyone to continue to pray for him at the comfort of their various worship places and to always remember him in our daily prayers.
“During his tenure as the Deputy President of the Senate, the Late Senator Ibrahim Mantu also served as the Speaker, ECOWAS Parliament and he remained a staunch member of the Peoples Democratic Party until his demise.
“Born on February 16th 1947, he was one of the three Senators who represented Plateau State.
“He was a member of the Senate between 1999 and 2007 and served as the Deputy President of the Senate between 2003 and 2007.”
Mantu had died on August 17th, 2021 due to complications from COVID-19 infection and he was buried according to Islamic rites.
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