By Shadrach Okon
A renowned Traditional Ruler in Akwa Ibom State Etteidung Aniefiok Okoko Udoma, the Village Head of Oku Abak has called on Governor Umo Eno to ban all forms of ‘Ekpo masquerades’ and diabolical ritual practices in Akwa Ibom State.
Etteidung Aniefiok Okoko Udoma, made the call during the week in an interview with the Guide Newspaper in his palace in Oku Abak, Abak.
Etteidung Udoma stated that the call became necessary as a measure to check criminal activities in various communities in Akwa Ibom State.
He lamented that some criminal elements in various communities usually disguised as masquerades with gun and other illegal weapons to threaten others and disrupt the peace of communities.
“I am suggesting to Governor Umo Eno to ban masquerade display in Akwa Ibom State. If this is done, it will curb criminal activities in our communities. Now in our communities, criminals are disguising as ‘Ekpo Masquerades to perpetrate crime in our communities.”
He stated that if all forms of masquerades and their related diabolical rituals are banned in the state, Akwa Ibom people will experience peace in their various communities.
Even as a traditional ruler, I don’t support masquerade and their related rituals in my village. It is a dangerous practice that some criminal youths use to disrupt peace in our communities.
He used the opportunity to laud Governor Umo Eno for his developmental drive in Akwa Ibom State and called on the newly appointed commissioners in Akwa Ibom State to see their appointments as a call to serve the people.
“I want to commend Governor Umo Eno for the newly appointed commissioners in the state. He has brought a lot of youths into his team. I call on the new commissioners to see their appointments as a call to service. They should represent the governor well in their various ministries,” Etteidung Aniefiok Udoma added.
