Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has taken a firm stance against street masquerades, announcing that anyone caught parading in costume on public roads will be arrested and prosecuted.
The governor issued the directive while lamenting the disturbances reportedly caused by masquerades in some local government areas. As the state’s Chief Security Officer, he has instructed the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to enforce the ban immediately.
“Let people have peace,” he said, adding, “All those ones I see when we’re driving… let it be said that it is hereby banned. No more.”
Mixed Reactions Online
The announcement triggered widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians weighing in.
@TobouJ67815 questioned the governor’s approach, writing: “Recklessness, will you arrest Muslim women with veils also?”
@BASILAZU criticised the governor for focusing on the wrong issues: “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?”
Some, however, supported the decision.
@mrTonySoul argued that the ban goes too far, saying: “You can’t abolish our culture in Akwa Ibom… masquerades are for festivities.”
@yink felt the policy could apply elsewhere: “We also need to do this in Lagos. They are becoming a menace.”
@princetonishere reacted humorously to the situation: “This will be funny. Police go collect flogging.”
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