UYO: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced an immediate ban on masquerade displays across the state, citing public safety concerns and reports of harassment and extortion linked to masquerade groups.
The directive was issued during the 25th wedding anniversary thanksgiving of Precious Selong and his wife, Edem Selong, a Permanent Secretary in the state civil service, at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Uyo, on Sunday.
Governor Eno directed the Commissioner of Police and security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found parading or displaying masquerades in public.
He also instructed local government chairmen to exclude masquerade performances from all cultural displays during the 2025 Christmas Festival.
Masquerades are being used to terrorize people, extort money, and frighten citizens, the governor declared. A
nyone caught will be arrested and prosecuted. Some local governments have already suffered havoc caused by these groups.
Emphasizing Akwa Ibom as a Christian state, Eno clarified that while the government supports cultural heritage, it will not promote practices deemed unsafe or unedifying.
In addition, the governor announced that the 13th-month Eno-mber salary for state workers will be paid before December 20, 2025, and that bags of rice will be distributed to villages across the state during the December homecoming.
Governor Eno also commended Hon. Edem Selong for her exemplary leadership, praising her ability to balance political responsibilities with family life.
