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From Isaac Job, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno has announced a ban on masquerade displays across the state.
The Christmas season in the state is typically characterised by the public display of masquerades along streets in the metropolis and villages, often causing public disorder.
Eno announced the proscription while speaking at the 25th wedding anniversary of Hon. Precious Selong and her spouse, Barr. Edem Selong, a Permanent Secretary in the state civil service, held at Methodist Church Nigeria, 67 Udo Umana Street, on Sunday.
He directed the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to arrest and prosecute any masquerade seen displaying on the streets.
Eno also instructed local government chairmen to exclude masquerades from their cultural presentations during the opening of Christmas festival celebrations, which begin today, 1 December 2025.
Quoted statement:
“This year’s Christmas celebration opens up tomorrow. We will begin with Christmas Unplugged. We will be 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 mouths and heads. This is a Christian state and let us not go and awaken something that would not edify God.
“Let me say today as the Governor of this State, we ban masquerades in our streets. They are using it to terrorise people, extort money, and terrify innocent citizens in the state.
“By my office as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I am issuing an order: anyone that will be caught would be arrested and prosecuted. They have used it to cause havoc in some local governments. As the chief security officer of the state, I am directing the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to arrest and prosecute masqueraders. Let it stop terrorising people, and let people have peace. We will continue to promote our culture, but we will not promote tradition,” he said.
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Regarding the Christmas celebration, the Governor instructed the Accountant General to pay the 13th month salary, popularly known as Eno-mber, to workers before 20 December 2025.
He further assured that rice would be sent to all villages across the state through local government councils, supported by political office holders during December’s homecoming events.
The governor commended the member representing Urue Offong/Oruko State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Precious Selong, for balancing her marital responsibilities with public service, distinguishing herself as a model of a contemporary African woman.
He explained that his decision to identify with Hon. Selong on this special occasion was inspired by her ability to maintain stable growth in both her political and marital roles, thereby making a positive impact on the state.
Quoted statement:
“I thank God for what He has done for Mr and Mrs Selong, and we bless God for your lives. To me, I am here today to rejoice with you, that’s why I told the Archbishop that I came for a Thanksgiving. Anyone who understands Thanksgiving will not want to miss it. I celebrate with you for 25 years, not 25 days.
“God has kept you through. The preacher has made a very strong point. It is particularly for your wife, Elder Precious.
“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 should take home today.”
Preaching on the topic “Two Are Better Than One”, drawn from the scriptures, the Archbishop of Uyo Diocese, His Grace, Most Rev. John E. Koko-Bassey, described Hon. Precious Selong as a testament to a great woman, blessed with the divine capacity to handle matrimonial responsibility without derailing or interfering in her leadership role.
