Umo signs executive order banning masquerades on streets of Akwa Ibom
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Umo said his decision to ban masquerade activities was necessary to protect Akwa people from the harassment, violence, and public disorder their activities have recently caused.
By Ayorinde Oluokun
Governor Umo Eno has signed an executive order banning masquerade activities on the streets and highways of Akwa Ibom State.
Umo, in a statement on Wednesday, said his decision to ban masquerade activities was necessary to protect Akwa people from the harassment, violence, and public disorder their activities have recently caused.
He said he had directed security operatives to enforce the ban across all the 31 local government areas of the state.
The Governor added that though he respect culture, but such practices should not be allowed to endanger lives or disrupt public peace.
“I fully respect our culture, but no cultural practice should endanger lives or disrupt public peace. If anyone wishes to display masquerades, it must be confined to village squares—not our streets, not our communities.
“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,” the Akwa Ibom governor said.
Recall that police operatives in Akwa Ibom State on Monday, arrested a masquerader for allegedly disrupting public peace.
The arrest of the masquerader was announced by spokesperson for the Akwa Police Command, Timfon John, in a post on X on Tuesday.
He said the arrest was in compliance with Governor Umo Eno’s ban on public activities by masqueraders.
He said, “Yesterday, a masquerader was arrested for disrupting public peace. One David was unveiled as the human being inside the Ekpo Masquerade paraphernalia.”
The Police spokesperson added that the ban on public activities of masquerades is still in force in Akwa Ibom State and the police are out to enforce it to the fullest.
The Akwa Ibom had earlier on Sunday announced ban on parade of Masquerade at a state function.
The Governor ordered that anyone caught should be arrested and charged to court.
He explained that the ban became necessary due to recent attacks on innocent residents by suspected criminals disguised as masquerades in parts of the state.
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