Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom governor (seated) with the executive order
Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom, has signed an executive order to stop masquerade activities on streets and highways in the state.
In an X post on Wednesday, the governor said the decision has become imperative to protect residents of the state from harassment, violence and disorder from masquerades.
“I fully respect our culture, but no cultural practice should endanger lives or disrupt public peace,” Eno said.
“If anyone wishes to display masquerades, it must be confined to village squares — not our streets, not our communities.
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“As we welcome thousands of visitors this Christmas season, we must show that Akwa Ibom is peaceful, orderly, and safe.
“I have directed security agencies to enforce this order across all 31 LGAs.
“We will continue to promote our rich culture and tourism, but never at the expense of public safety or human dignity.”
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In an X post, Timfon John, spokesperson of the Akwa Ibom police command, said one masquerade was arrested on December 1 for disturbing public peace, as enforcement of the governor’s directive is ramped up across the state.
“Yesterday, a masquerade was arrested for disrupting public peace. One David was unveiled as the human being inside the Ekpo Masquerade paraphernalia,” she wrote.
“He will have his day in court. The ban on public activities of masquerades is still in force and the police is out to enforce it to the fullest.”
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