By Patrick Obia
The Government of Cross River State has warned social-cultural group, Nkot Mbok to suspend their planned masquerade display.
The warning is contained in a public service announcement signed by the State Security Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu, Major General O.U Obono (Rtd), stating that the planned masquerade display is geared to perpetrate mayhem in disguise.
The SA noted that their proposed action is without due compliance with Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Masquerades (Control) Law of Cross River State and permitted by relevant authorities.
“The attention of the office of the State Security Adviser has been drawn to plans by some elements to perpetrate mayhem within the state under the guise of NKOT MBOK, without due compliance with Sections 1, 2 and3 of the Masquerades (Control) Law of Cross River State and permit from relevant authorities.
“Consequently, the leaders/organizers of such group(s) are warned to suspend the planned activity forthwith otherwise, they shall be made to face the full wrath of the law,” threatening that “defaulters will be prosecuted!”
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Cross River Southern senatorial district in the Nigerian Senate, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jrn. who was a special guest of honor of the said annual event, has voiced out.
The Senator in a press release issued by his Senior Legislative Aide, Ted Inyang, enjoined the organizers of the Nkot Mbok masquerade display to sort out the security issues with the government.
The Senator while calling on the public to take note, advised it is important the security threat raised by the SA is be clarified.
“It has come to the attention of Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, the invited Guest of honor of the 2025 Nkot Mbok event that the State Security Adviser to the Governor has suspended the NkotMbok annual event scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday 25thJanuary as communicated in the letter signed by the SSA today,24th January, (please find attached).
“Consequently, he has informed the organizers of the NkotMbok Event that they should meet and engage with the State Security Adviser to the Governor to clarify and resolve issues raised in the letter from the SSA. The general public is invited to please note.”