Umo Eno bans Masquerades on Akwa Ibom Streets, Highways

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has signed an executive order restricting masquerade displays from all streets and highways across the state.

Announcing the decision on his verified X handle on Wednesday, the governor said the measure became necessary to safeguard residents from recurring incidents of harassment, violence, and public disorder linked to some masquerade activities.

“I fully respect our culture, but no cultural practice should endanger lives or disrupt public peace,” Governor Eno stated.

He added that masquerade displays must henceforth be limited to designated village squares, where they can be showcased without infringing on the safety or rights of the public.

“With this directive, anyone who wishes to display masquerades must do so within village squares — not on our streets, and not within our communities,” he said.

The enforcement of the order is expected to commence immediately.