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Sound and fury over ‘ban’ of Ekpo Masquerade in Akwa Ibom
By Akpandem James
Political scientists and historians broadly recognise that governing a democratic society comes with a distinct and often demanding set of challenges, frequently viewed as more complex than those associated with autocratic or monarchical systems. Whether it is inherently the most difficult form of government to manage remains a matter of debate and interpretation, as every system carries its own unique constraints and complexities.
The question about complexity is incontestable because democracy requires balancing the interests, demands and expectations of diverse groups. Because multiple voices compete freely, democracies can become deeply polarised. Navigating disagreement without tipping into instability or chaos demands advanced political skill, especially in Nigeria, where the challenge seems greater than in many other climes.
Because of our multicultural makeup and the persistent dysfunctions within our system, matters that should be straightforward often become unnecessarily complex. Even more troubling is our gradual drift away from rational engagement, as we increasingly focus on trivialities rather than substantive issues. A significant portion of public commentary across various sectors is now marked by an acute shortage of logic and an excess of sentiment. Sadly, many of these views stem either from a limited understanding of the issues at stake or from analyses that are, at best, pedestrian in approach.
Unfortunately, strategic institutions that should ordinarily help the smooth functioning of society through civic engagements, instead, pursue vested interests along political, ethnic or religious lines. Pathetically, when such indulgences snowball into dire security and economic consequences, the same commentators search for scapegoats among the very institutions that tried to stem the rise of the monster in the first place.
In recent weeks, Akwa Ibom has found itself embroiled in a heated conversation that goes beyond the Ekpo masquerade which is the major issue. It touches identity, culture, safety, rights and the boundaries of freedom in a modern society. The uproar that followed Governor Umo Bassey Eno’s Executive Order on masquerade displays has generated sound and fury from many quarters: some sincere, some emotional and some misdirected. Yet behind all the arguments lies one stubborn truth: lives have been lost, people have been assaulted and criminal elements have hijacked a revered heritage for sinister ends.
In recent days, the Police in the state have arrested some suspects for robbery, assault and extortion allegedly carried out by criminals masquerading as custodians of tradition. According to the state governor, intelligence reports indicated a real and growing danger, suggesting that without prompt action, the state risked slipping into violent scenarios and possibly tragic outcomes, especially with the increased activities and crowds expected during this festive season.
It was against this backdrop, he explained, that he issued an Executive Order, one which restricts masquerade displays from urban centres but allows them within village squares and local communities under regulated conditions. This context does not in any way connote a cultural war nor an attempt to erase heritage. It is more of a safety measure, anchored on an existing law: the Masquerades (Control) Law, Cap. 94, Laws of Akwa Ibom State (2022), which had already mandated police permits and confined displays to designated areas.
Yet, as expected in matters involving culture and sentiment, the Order triggered strong reactions. As has become commonplace in our clime these days, it has assumed a religious dimension, especially as the governor is a cleric of the Christian faith. Some commentators argued that Ekpo is not simply entertainment but a sacred institution, an embodiment of the coexistence between the living and the spirit world. They noted that even colonial administrators, in their zeal to suppress African practices, failed to eliminate Ekpo, revered as the king of masquerades in the Ibibio and Annang communities of the state. If the white-men failed, why then should black men with “white hearts,” as some put it, now attempt to annihilate their own identity?
Others raised constitutional questions, citing the freedom of worship and association under Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution. They claimed that restricting Ekpo to village squares amounted to cultural discrimination—comparable, in their view, to ordering Christians to worship strictly within church buildings without public processions or crusades.
Some recalled past episodes where officials destroyed cultural artifacts under the guise of modernity or religion, warning that this new order, if not resisted, might follow the same script. Others wondered why the state shows stronger enforcement energy toward Ekpo masquerades than toward open grazing or “iron-condemn” scavengers, both of which had long been banned in the state without rigorous implementation.
But criticism, however loud, must be measured against facts. And the facts remain sobering. When a masquerade hides behind a mask to threaten and deprive citizens of their possessions, that is not culture. It is robbery. When a man in Ekpo attire assaults a young girl because she previously rejected his advances, that is not tradition. It is criminality. When public roads become arenas of intimidation where uninitiated persons, especially women and children, are harassed or blocked from their daily activities, then the masquerade has ceased to be a cultural expression and has become a tool of intimidation and coercion.
As one commentator also observed, culture is dynamic. That just as the inhuman practice of killing twins was discontinued, societies must abandon or reform practices that endanger life and undermine public harmony. A culture that thrives on exclusion, fear and intimidation cannot claim to unite the community. Public peace and coexistence require a culture that protects, not one that persecutes.
There seems to be a consensus among some elders in the state that what is being displayed as Ekpo today is far from the values of the ancestors. The authentic Ekpo represents discipline, reverence and communal unity, not extortion, harassment or lawlessness. When criminals hijack culture, the state has a clear responsibility: protect citizens and preserve the integrity of tradition by removing the criminal element. Much as some critics of the recent move agree that there is a need for punishing bad behaviour, they insist the action should target, identify and prosecute masquerades that commit crimes, not hiding under the smokescreen of law and order to prosecute a religious agenda.
However, much of the present controversy seem to stem not from the content of the Executive Order but from a misconception. Did the governor “ban” Ekpo? It doesn’t seem so. He clarified repeatedly: “I have not banned Ekpo masquerade in Akwa Ibom.” He confined displays to village squares, in accordance with existing law. The message seems clear enough: “We will continue to promote our rich culture and tourism, but never at the expense of public safety or human dignity.” This is not suppression; it is preservation. Preservation of life. Preservation of peace. Preservation of the authentic Ekpo, which must not be left in the hands of hooligans who hide criminality behind sacred attire.
Beyond the arguments, the central issue remains: the state has a responsibility to guarantee the safety and dignity of all residents. Freedom of worship cannot override the right to life. Cultural expression cannot trump public security. No society, African or otherwise, permits masked individuals to roam the streets unregulated during a tense holiday period when there is mass movement of persons, markets are bustling and security threats are heightened. At the core of this debate lies a difficult but necessary recognition: the times we live in demand caution. Criminal ingenuity has grown. Public anxiety has increased. And the state cannot afford the luxury of inaction.
If certain measures now appear stringent, as perceived by some, they are grounded in the overarching duty to maintain peace, uphold stability and safeguard human dignity. Culture must be celebrated, but life must be protected. Heritage must be cherished, but society must remain safe. And in a season when goodwill should prevail, it is only prudent to ensure that joy is not eclipsed by tragedy.
My reading is that the Executive Order is not a death sentence on the Ekpo masquerade; it is a protection of the living being. It is the reassurance that tradition will endure, but never as a cloak for violence. It also stresses the point that, when guided by good faith, tough decisions are sometimes essential to safeguard the peace and harmony on which every stable society depends.
- Akpandem James is a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Chairman Editorial Advisory Board of Naija Times.
Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President, on Friday, pushed back against reports quoting him as promising to retrieve tickets from winners of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in lieu of sitting senators, who failed at the party’s primaries recently.
He also spoke on the issue of the comprehensive probe called by Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State, now Senator representing Edo North at the National Assembly, clarifying his position on the matte, which has since raised a lot of dust within the polity.
The twin issues, dominated the outcome of proceedings on Thursday, on the day the Senators returned after going on recess to participate in the party primaries that took place across board in Nigeria in line with the electoral outlay of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, former Minister of the Niger Delta and now Chairman of the National Assembly, who conveyed his position through Eseme Eyiboh, his spokesman, denied ever making such promise to his colleagues, as it went against the grain of democratic ethos, which he had vowed to uphold.
Regarding the probe of the military, Akpabio, in the statement, stressed the need not to distract the institution, but provide it with all the needed support, giving the parlous security situation in the country, its personnel had been battling relentless.
The statement read in full: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.
“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorised to be made such promise.
“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathise with senators who were affected by the outcome of their primary elections.
“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes. He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.
“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents. While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.
“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine morale and operational focus.
“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time. Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria.
“Senator Akpabio urges the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.”
No candidate was imposed neither was any member barred from participating in the process, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said on Thursday, which defending the integrity of the exercise, which ended on May 29.
In a statement by Ikenna Enekweizu, National Secretary, party said that all aspirants were given a fair opportunity to participate in the democratic process, adding that the selection process was driven by consultation, consensus-building, and stakeholder engagement through established leadership structures across the country.
Stressing that its National Secretariat was never involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state, contrary to allegations that have emerged following the conclusion of the primaries, the statement added: “At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state.
“Aspirants seeking elective positions were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states, who were responsible for consultations and recommendations based on local political realities. In the South-East geopolitical zone, our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with an existing network of respected political leaders and elder statesmen who currently serve as caucus heads across the region.
“These include former governors and senior political figures such as Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Achike Udenwa, among others. The party explained that these leaders were tasked with conducting stakeholder consultations and helping build consensus around aspirants in their respective states.
“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states.
“Aspirants who disagreed with stakeholder recommendations were not excluded from the process but were allowed to test their popularity through grassroots primaries. This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant. Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the party said.
Addressing concerns raised by some aspirants following the primaries, the NDC acknowledged reports of individuals prematurely declaring themselves candidates as well as complaints regarding aspects of the process.
However, it maintained that such issues had been referred to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for resolution.
The statement also highlighted the party’s commitment to affirmative action and greater female participation in politics, noting that efforts had been made to encourage women to seek elective offices while also considering the interests of serving lawmakers.
Looking ahead, the NDC announced plans to begin a broad reconciliation process aimed at healing divisions and strengthening party unity after the conclusion of the primaries.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion, and the continued growth of our party.”
The party reiterated that its role throughout the nomination process was primarily to welcome new members and aspirants, reassure them of its commitment to fairness and transparency, and direct them to the appropriate caucus structures for participation in party affairs.
According to the NDC, the approach reflects its commitment to internal democracy, consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for established leadership structures as it continues preparations for future elections.
Idi Abbas, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), on Friday, prayed for a legislation to establish a special court to try those caught in the business of stealing crude oil in Nigeria, saying the current general law was not too helpful in stemming the tide.
It was also a day he claimed that the powerful forces behind the syndicate had a way of projecting fronts while remaining behind the scene, which made it almost impossible to track them to face justice.
In fact, Abbas, a Vice Admiral, revealed that the operation was so perfect that those arrested at illegal refining sites were usually low-level operatives with little knowledge of the larger criminal network.
A guest on Sunrise Daily, a breakfast programme on Channels Television, the Naval Chief noted that many of those apprehended during operations are merely workers paid small sums, adding that such a complex structure of oil theft syndicates made it difficult to identify and prosecute the individuals who orchestrate the criminal enterprise.
“Most of the faces behind these thefts are not really known or are not the ones we always catch. The ones we get at most of the illegal refinery sites are just being given some paltry sum, while the big masquerades are the ones that make the real money. Prosecuting suspects is often complicated by the fact that many of those arrested have little or no information about the people directing the operations.
“In trying to prosecute some of these people that we get, some of them don’t even know who they are working for. So, the network is a very delicate one.
“But despite the challenges the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies are continually refining their strategies to counter the evolving tactics of oil thieves. As they are evolving strategies, we are also evolving new strategies. Like I keep saying, technology is the way forward. With that, we have been able to reduce the level of theft.”
Stating that the adoption of technology-driven surveillance, intelligence gathering and monitoring systems had significantly enhanced efforts to curb crude oil theft and protect critical national assets, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to sustaining operations against oil theft, stressing that collaboration among security agencies, stakeholders and host communities remains essential to safeguarding the nation’s oil resources.
The naval boss while assuring that Nigeria’s coastal and riverine communities are relatively safe, said the Nigerian Navy had made significant progress in reducing threats along the coast, particularly illegal oil-related activities and sea robbery.
“As it stands today, I can say that our coastal areas and the riverine areas are relatively safe. While crude oil theft and isolated cases of sea robbery remain areas of concern, the Navy has been largely successful in containing such activities through intensified surveillance and enforcement operations.
Hear him: “What we are contending with mostly there is the issue of crude oil theft and some pockets of sea robbery, which we are able to curtail. There is need for the establishment of a special court dedicated to prosecuting maritime crimes.
“This court will focus exclusively on cases involving crude oil theft and other maritime-related offences, helping to address delays associated with the conventional judicial process. The establishment of such a court would significantly accelerate the dispensation of justice and reduce the burden currently placed on the Navy in maintaining seized vessels and other exhibits pending the conclusion of lengthy court processes.
“If we have that in place, I believe the dispensation of justice will be done much faster and then ease the burden of keeping and maintaining some of the arrested vessels, which will be taken off from us because we spend a lot to maintain those vessels under our custody.”
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