As part of efforts to ensure a peaceful atmosphere devoid of harassment and molestation for residents of Akwa Ibom State during the yuletide, Governor Umo Eno has signed an Executive Order banning the activities of masquerades on streets and highways across the State.
Signing the bill at Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno acknowledged his utmost respect for the culture and tradition of the people, but said his decision was prompted by the need to curb the menace of insecurity, chaos, and nuisance perpetrated 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 have 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 on our hands,” he stated.
He 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.
The State Chief Executive 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 in creating a peaceful atmosphere, especially during this Christmas celebration.
“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. It is on the strength of that that we sign this to bring public peace and order,” he stated.
Earlier, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, had expressed appreciation to the Governor for signing the Executive Order to affirm commitment to the ban of masquerades across the State.
He described the action as decisive and timely, as masquerade activities have increasingly become a threat to public peace, leading to violence, intimidation of innocent citizens, and obstruction of lawful activities in several communities across the State.
Azare 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 directives to Area and Tactical Commanders to ensure full compliance across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State.
