Ofure Akhigbe
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has signed an Executive Order banning masquerade displays on streets and major highways across the state, directing security agencies to arrest and prosecute violators.
The governor reaffirmed the ban on Tuesday while signing the order at the Government House, Uyo, according to a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday. He cited rising cases of harassment, extortion and public disturbances linked to masquerade activities in several communities as the reason for the decisive action.
“By my office as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I am issuing an order that anyone caught will be arrested and prosecuted. They have used it to cause havoc in some local governments,” Eno said.
“As the chief security officer of the state, I am directing the commissioner of police and other security agencies to arrest and prosecute masquerades. Let them stop terrorising people and let people have peace,” he added.
The governor stressed that although the state respects cultural heritage, no tradition should be allowed to cause harm or infringe on the rights of citizens.
“All of us are living witnesses to the embarrassment and nuisance this has caused. If you have driven along the highways, you would have seen how they operate. It could cause accidents and sometimes brings vehicles to an abrupt halt,” he said.
He recalled a recent incident where a young woman was allegedly stripped naked and flogged by masquerades, describing the act as unacceptable.
“Yes, it is culture, but everyone has a right. No culture should dominate the other or cause harm to others,” the governor stated.
Eno noted that an existing 2022 state law already requires police clearance for masquerade displays, adding that such activities must now be strictly confined to village squares.
“If you want to play masquerade, go to your village square and play it, but not on the streets of Akwa Ibom. Don’t use it to disrupt public peace and order,” he warned.
The governor urged residents to acquaint themselves with the new order and cautioned against further disruption of public order under the guise of cultural expression.
He also appealed for public support for the state’s tourism drive under his administration’s ARISE Agenda, especially as the festive season approaches and the state expects an influx of visitors.
“We have visitors coming as we are trying to make our state a tourist destination. Let’s not scare people. Don’t make them feel that chaos is tolerated. This order is to ensure public peace and order,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, commended the governor for the directive, describing it as timely and necessary.
According to him, the order gives security agencies clear authority to curb masquerade-related violence, intimidation and obstruction across the 31 local government areas of the state.
He assured residents that enforcement had already commenced, with instructions issued to area commanders and tactical units to ensure full compliance statewide.