Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has issued a firm directive warning that any masquerades found parading on streets across the state will be arrested and prosecuted by law enforcement agencies without exception.
“Let people have peace”
Speaking during a public engagement, the governor explained that the decision was taken after repeated complaints from residents who alleged that some masquerades had been involved in disturbing the peace, intimidating citizens, and damaging property in certain parts of the state.
Governor Eno, who described himself as the Chief Security Officer of Akwa Ibom State, said the safety of residents remains his utmost priority and that no cultural activity should be allowed to threaten public order or instill fear among the people.
According to him, he has already directed the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to enforce the ban strictly and ensure that anyone who violates the order is dealt with according to the law.
“Let people have peace. All those ones I see when we’re driving… let it be said that it is hereby banned. No more,” the governor declared, stressing that the state government will not tolerate activities that endanger lives or disrupt normal daily living.
He further assured residents that the government remains committed to maintaining law and order and urged the public to cooperate with security agencies in enforcing the directive.
Social media reactions
The governor’s announcement has continued to generate heated discussions across social media platforms, with citizens expressing mixed reactions to the move.
@TobouJ67815 questioned the consistency of the policy, asking: “Recklessness, will you arrest Muslim women with veils also?”
@BASILAZU criticised the governor’s priorities, writing: “This is an unnecessary distraction. Oga governor, face the work of giving Akwa Ibom people democratic dividends and leave masquerades alone. What is the difference between happy hour beer drinking instituted by you and masquerade entertainment—if you claim to be a pastor?”
@mrTonySoul opposed the directive on cultural grounds, stating: “You can’t abolish our culture in Akwa Ibom… masquerades are for festivities.”
@yink supported the decision, adding: “We also need to do this in Lagos. They are becoming a menace.”
@princetonishere reacted humorously, saying: “This will be funny. Police go collect flogging.”
While some residents applauded the governor for prioritizing public safety, others described the move as an attack on tradition and cultural expression, calling for dialogue rather than enforcement.
Watch the video below…
"Any masquerade found on the streets of Akwa Ibom State parading would be arrested and prosecuted."
—Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno pic.twitter.com/5IqRIgkM4H
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) November 30, 2025