Umo Eno signs executive order banning masquerades on Akwa Ibom streets

Akwa Ibom governor, Umo Eno, has signed an executive order prohibiting masquerade displays on streets and highways across the state.

Announcing the decision in an X post on Wednesday, Eno said the measure was necessary to protect residents from harassment, violence and public disorder linked to some masquerade activities.

“I fully respect our culture, but no cultural practice should endanger lives or disrupt public peace,” he said. “If anyone wishes to display masquerades, it must be confined to village squares, not our streets or communities.”

The governor added that with thousands of visitors expected during the Christmas season, the state must maintain an atmosphere of peace and order. He directed security agencies to strictly enforce the order in all 31 local government areas.

Timfon John, spokesperson of the Akwa Ibom police command, also disclosed in an X post that a masquerade was arrested on December 1 for disturbing public peace.

“Yesterday, a masquerade was arrested for disrupting public peace. One David was unveiled as the human being inside the Ekpo paraphernalia,” she said, adding that he would be prosecuted.

John reaffirmed that the ban on public masquerade activities remains in force and will be enforced fully by the police.