Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced an immediate ban on masquerade displays across the state, citing public safety concerns and complaints of harassment and extortion by masquerade groups.
The governor issued the directive on Sunday while speaking at the 25th wedding anniversary thanksgiving of Precious Selong and his wife, Edem Selong, a Permanent Secretary in the state civil service, held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Uyo.
Eno ordered the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone caught parading or displaying masquerades on the streets.
He further instructed local government chairmen to ensure that masquerade performances are excluded from all cultural displays during the opening of the 2025 Christmas Festival, scheduled to begin on December 1.
The governor was emphatic about the decision while addressing the congregation.
“Let me say today, as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, we have banned masquerades in our streets. They are being used to terrorise people, extort money and frighten innocent citizens,” he declared.
“Anyone caught will be arrested and prosecuted. Some local governments have already experienced havoc caused by these groups.”
Eno, who described Akwa Ibom as “a Christian state,” said the government would continue to support cultural heritage but would not promote practices he considered unsafe or unedifying.
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“Don’t bring traditions where people wear masks and emit smoke from their mouths and heads. Let us not awaken something that does not glorify God,” he added.
Meanwhile, ahead of the Christmas festivities, Governor Eno announced that the 13th-month salary, widely known in the state as the “Eno-mber” bonus, would be paid to workers before December 20, 2025.
He also revealed that bags of rice would be distributed to villages across the state during the annual December homecoming, in partnership with political officeholders at the local level.
The governor commended Hon. Selong, who represents Urue Offong/Oruko State Constituency in the House of Assembly, praising her ability to balance public service with family life.
He said his attendance at the event was a recognition of her exemplary leadership and the positive influence she has had within the state.
“She has struck a remarkable balance between her political responsibilities and her marital role. She represents the modern African woman,” Eno said.
