Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has ordered an immediate ban on masquerade displays across the state, saying the activity has been used to harass residents and cause unrest.
The governor made the announcement on Sunday during the 25th wedding anniversary of Precious Selong and her husband, Edem Selong, a Permanent Secretary in the state civil service. The event was held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Uyo.
Eno directed the commissioner of police and other security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found displaying masquerades on the streets. He also told local government chairmen not to include masquerades in their cultural performances at the Christmas festival set to begin on December 1.
He said, “This year’s Christmas celebration opens tomorrow. We will begin with Christmas Unplugged at the Christmas village. Please, I stand on this altar to say, no masquerade in that place. I am not endorsing it. Don’t bring tradition where people carry masks and smoke is oozing out of their mouth and their heads. This is a Christian state and let us not go and awaken something that would not edify God.”
The governor added that some groups now use masquerades to extort money and frighten residents.
“Let me say today as the governor of this state, we ban masquerades in our streets. They are using it to terrorise people, using it to extort money and terrify innocent citizens. Anyone caught would be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
He stressed that security agencies had been instructed to act immediately, noting that masquerade activities had caused trouble in some local government areas.
“Let it stop terrorising people, and let people have peace. We will continue to promote our culture, but we will not promote tradition,” he added.
On preparations for the Christmas season, Eno directed the Accountant General to pay the 13th month salary, also known as Eno-mber, before December 20. He also promised that rice would be sent to all villages through the local government councils, with support from political office holders during the December homecoming event.
The governor praised Precious Selong, who represents Urue Offong/Oruko State Constituency in the House of Assembly, saying she had managed to balance her home and public service role.
He said, “I thank God for what he has done to Mr and Mrs Selong. I am here today to rejoice with you. I celebrate with you for 25 years, not 25 days. She has grown politically, so she has grown her home maritally. Not many women would grow politically and still maintain their homes. That should be the lesson we take home today.”
Preaching on the theme Two are Better than One, the Archbishop of Uyo Diocese, Most Rev. John E. Koko-Bassey, described Precious Selong as an example of a woman who has balanced her family duties and leadership responsibilities with grace.
