Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has signed an Executive Order prohibiting the display and activities of masquerades on streets and highways across the state, citing growing security concerns and repeated cases of harassment of citizens.

The signing ceremony, held at Government House, Uyo, underscores the administration’s resolve to ensure a peaceful and safe atmosphere during the yuletide season. Governor Eno said the decision followed persistent reports of insecurity, chaos and public nuisance associated with street masquerade displays.

“All of us are living witnesses to the embarrassment and nuisance this has caused,” he said.

“If you have driven along the highways, you would see how they operate. It could cause accidents; sometimes it brings cars to an abrupt halt.

“Just two weeks ago, 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.”

Citing the 2022 law referenced by the State Attorney General, the Governor stressed that any group intending to engage in masquerade activities must seek clearance from the police and must restrict such performances to village squares—not public roads.

“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, urging citizens to acquaint themselves with the provisions and implications of the law.

Governor Eno appealed to Akwa Ibom people to focus on cultural practices that promote the state’s tourism goals under the ARISE Agenda, while commending security agencies for their support in sustaining a peaceful environment during the festive season.

“We have visitors coming as we are trying to make our State a tourist destination,” he said. “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.”

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, applauded the Governor for the Executive Order, describing it as decisive and timely.

He noted that masquerade activities had increasingly posed threats to public peace through violence, intimidation and obstruction of lawful activities in various communities.

Azare affirmed that the order provides clear legal backing for prompt enforcement by security agencies, adding that he had already issued operational directives to Area and Tactical Commanders to ensure full compliance across all 31 local government areas.

He assured the Governor of the immediate and sustained enforcement of the ban to restore sanity and safeguard residents during the festive period and beyond.