Governor Umo Eno has signed an Executive Order banning masquerade activities on the streets and highways of Akwa Ibom State.
The governor said the move became necessary to protect residents from the harassment, violence, and public disorder linked to recent masquerade outings. He explained that while he fully respects Akwa Ibom’s cultural traditions, no cultural practice should endanger lives or disturb public peace.
According to Governor Eno, anyone wishing to display masquerades must now restrict such activities to village squares, not streets or public spaces across the state.
With thousands of visitors expected during the Christmas season, he said it is important to present Akwa Ibom as peaceful, orderly, and safe. He has therefore directed security agencies to enforce the Executive Order across all 31 local government areas.
The governor added that the state will continue to promote its rich culture and tourism, but not at the cost of safety or human dignity.
Taking to his social media handle on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Governor Eno wrote “ I signed an Executive Order banning masquerade activities on the streets and highways of Akwa Ibom State.
This decision was necessary to protect our people from the harassment, violence, and public disorder these activities have recently caused.
“I fully respect our culture, but no cultural practice should endanger lives or disrupt public peace. If anyone wishes to display masquerades, it must be confined to village squares—not our streets, not our communities.
“As we welcome thousands of visitors this Christmas season, we must show that Akwa Ibom is peaceful, orderly, and safe. I have directed security agencies to enforce this order across all 31 LGAs.
We will continue to promote our rich culture and tourism, but never at the expense of public safety or human dignity.”
