Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has taken a firm stand to safeguard public peace and prevent growing incidents of street harassment and disorder linked to uncontrolled masquerade activities across the state. The governor, on Monday, signed a new Executive Order prohibiting the display and movement of masquerades on public roads, major streets, and highways.
During the signing ceremony, Governor Eno stressed that the state would not tolerate any cultural practice that threatens peace, obstructs free movement, or endangers lives. While reaffirming his respect for the state's rich cultural heritage, he made it clear that tradition must operate within the limits of the law.
He explained that the government was not banning masquerades entirely but restricting their activities to designated community spaces, particularly village squares, where they can be celebrated without endangering the public.
“I am not saying don’t play masquerade, but don’t use masquerade to disturb public peace. Restrict it to your village square,” the governor said, noting that the state had witnessed repeated disruptions linked to masquerade parades, including harassment of residents, extortion of motorists, and blockages of major routes.
Citing an existing 2022 legislation referenced by the State Attorney General, Governor Eno reminded cultural groups that the law requires anyone planning a masquerade outing to seek police clearance. This legal step, he said, ensures proper regulation and prevents groups from turning the tradition into a source of intimidation or chaos.
“Even the law in 2022, as referred to by the State Attorney General, provides that if you must have to do that, you must seek clearance from the police. So if you want to play masquerade, go to your village square and play it, but not on the streets of Akwa Ibom,” he insisted.
The governor emphasized that the new Executive Order was not just a symbolic action but a directive backed by enforcement. Security agencies have been authorized to arrest and prosecute any individuals or groups violating the prohibition.
“Don’t use that to disrupt public peace and order. We don’t want to have trouble on our hands,” he warned, stressing that the state would not fold its arms and allow disorder in the name of cultural celebration.
The measure is expected to curb the widespread complaints from residents about harassment, road blockages, and intimidation by some masquerade groups who stray beyond cultural boundaries into public misconduct.
Governor Eno reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere for all residents, assuring that Akwa Ibom will continue to respect and celebrate cultural traditions—but only within the framework of law, safety, and public order.
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