The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has signed an Executive Order banning the activities of masquerades on streets and highways across the State.
This is part of efforts to ensure a peaceful atmosphere devoid of harassments and molestation for residents and visitors during the Christmas season.
Signing the order at Government House Uyo, Governor Eno acknowledged his utmost respect for the culture and tradition, but said his decision was prompted by the need to curb the menace of insecurity, chaos and nuisance pepetuated by masquerades, and to restore dignity and sanity in the society.
“All of us are living witnesses to the embarrassment and nuisance that this has caused. If you have driven along the highways, you would seen how they operate. It could cause accidents, sometimes it brings cars to an abrupt halt.
“Last two weeks, we had a scene where a young woman was literally stripped naked and flogged by these masquerades. Yes, it is culture, but everyone has a right. No culture should dominate the other or cause harm to others.
“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.
“Don’t use that to disrupt public peace and order. We don’t want to have trouble in our hands,” he stated.
The Governor called on Akwa Ibom people to study and be equipped with the full knowledge, understanding and implication of the law, and warned perpetrators against taking laws into their hands by continually disrupting public order in the guise of masquerade.
“I am not saying don’t play masquerade, but don’t use masquerade to disturb public peace. Restrict it to your village square,” he cautioned.
Governor Eno called on the citizenry to focus on activities that positively impact, promote and project the rich tourism potentials and cultural heritage of the State as it aligns with the tourism development vision of the ARISE Agenda.
He thanked the security agencies for their cooperation and support, which according to him will assist create a peaceful atmosphere especially during this Christmas celebration .
“We have visitors coming as we are trying to make our State a tourists destination. Let’s not scare people. Don’t make them feel that chaos is tolerated. It is on the strength of that that we sign this to bring public peace and order,” he stated.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr, Baba Azare, described the Governor’s action as decisive and timely as some masquerade activities have become a threat to public peace, leading to violence, intimidation of innocent citizens and obstruction of lawful activities in several communities across the State.
Mr Azara noted that the executive order has provided a clear legal backing for security agencies to carry out their duties promptly as professionals in restoring public order in the society.
He assured the Governor of the immediate enforcement of the order, having issued operational directive to Area and tactical Commanders to ensure full compliance across the 31 local Government Areas of the State.
