Akwa Ibom masquerade ban signed by Governor Umo Eno to curb harassment and ensure public safety across streets and highways
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has signed an Executive Order prohibiting masquerade displays on streets and major highways across the state, citing rising incidents of harassment, extortion and public disturbances. The announcement was made at Government House, Uyo, on Tuesday.
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Governor Eno directed the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to enforce full compliance, warning that any masquerade performers found violating the order would be arrested and prosecuted.
“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 stated.
The governor acknowledged the cultural significance of masquerades but emphasised that traditions must not harm or infringe upon the rights of citizens.
He highlighted a recent incident in which a young woman was publicly assaulted by masqueraders, describing such acts as unacceptable.
Eno noted that a 2022 law already requires police clearance for public masquerade displays and instructed performers to restrict activities to village squares.
“So if you want to play masquerade, go to your village square and play it, but not on the streets of Akwa Ibom,” he said.
The order is also intended to protect visitors during the festive season and support the state’s ARISE Agenda, which aims to boost tourism.
“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,” the governor added.
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Commissioner of Police Baba Azare described the order as timely and necessary, assuring that enforcement has commenced across all 31 local government areas. Security agencies have been instructed to curb masquerade-related violence, intimidation, and obstruction.
