Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has declared indefinite ban of masquerade display across the state.
The governor at a state function yesterday said the declaration was informed by a recent wave of attacks on innocent residents by suspected criminals disguised as masquerades in various parts of the state.
“This year’s Christmas celebration opens up tomorrow. We will begin with Christmas Unplugged. We will be at the Christmas village.
“Please I stand on this altar to say, no masquerade in that place. I am not endorsing it. Don’t bring tradition where people carry masks and smoke is oozing out of their mouth and their heads. This is a Christian State and let us not go and awaken something that would not edify God.
“By my office as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I’m issuing an order. Anyone caught will be arrested and tried. They have been using it to cause trouble in some local government areas.
“I’m now as Chief Security Officer of the state, directing the Commissioner of Police and other heads of security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone caught.
“Let’s stop terrorizing people. Let people have peace. All those I see when we’re driving, please let it be said it is hereby banned. No more.”
The activities of suspected criminal masquerades have been of particular concern to the State Police Command in recent times, with CP Baba Azare, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom Command, announcing the arrest of suspects currently facing trial.
On the Christmas celebration, the governor directed the Accountant General to pay the 13th month salary popularly known as Eno-mber, to workers before December 20, 2025.
He also assured all that rice will be sent to all the villages across the state through the local government council, and will be supported by political office holders during the December homecoming event.