By Inyeneobong peace Okon

Governor Umo Eno has clarified the recent controversy surrounding the ban on Ekpo masquerades parading the streets of Akwa Ibom, emphasizing that the measure was enacted to protect public safety and not to suppress cultural practices.
Earlier this month, the government signed into law a directive prohibiting Ekpo masquerades from appearing on public roads, charging the police to arrest any masquerade caught violating the ban. The law was prompted by repeated reports of public disturbances, including incidents where masquerades jumped on vehicles, flogged citizens, and assaulted individuals with cutlasses.
Following the new law, the government arrested an Ekpo masquerade and brought the matter to the Magistrates Court at Fugal Street, Uyo. The case centered on claims that the arrest and enforcement of the ban infringed on the masquerade’s human rights, including the right to worship freely. The court ruled in favor of the masquerade, ordering the government to compensate it for the arrest and human rights violation.
In a press release today, Governor Eno clarified that the government’s actions were not intended to deter the Ekpo from worship, but to ensure public safety. He highlighted reports of assaults, harassment, and damage caused by some masquerades, including instances where citizens were flogged or attacked on the streets, as well as the risks to vehicles and students in areas like Obio Akpa.
Speaking from personal experience, I have also been a victim of Ekpo brutality, having been flogged repeatedly along Ikot Okoro Road. Such experiences underscore the need for measures that balance cultural practices with the safety of residents.
Governor Eno’s statement seeks to strike a balance between respecting tradition and enforcing the law, while the court ruling emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights even in the enforcement of public safety measures. The situation calls for clear guidelines to ensure that cultural expressions do not endanger citizens, while still being respected as part of Akwa Ibom’s heritage.