C' River Gov't, Police Clamp Down on Nkot Mbok Masquerade Dance, As Security Operatives Take Over Some Streets In Metropolis
Ndifereke BASSEY
THE Cross River state government and Nigerian Police Command have clamped down on Nkot Mbok Masquerade Dance, warning against defying order.
Recall that the Office of the State Security Adviser had January 24, 2025,suspended the planned activities of Nkot Mbok scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2025.
But in a release signed by the Nkot Mbok National President and Vice President, Effeffiong Effiong Effiong and Prince Okon Etim respectively, the group rescheduled the cultural dance to today, February 1, 2025.
The statement reads in part:
"On behalf of Nkot Mbok National Body,Executive of Efik,Efut and Qua, all the registered groups under Nkot Mbok Platform and the General Public,we the above mentioned organization write to notify you ofthe postponement of Nkot Mbok Exercise 2025, due to security reasons.
"On this note,Nkot Mbok Exercise 2025 will take place on the 1st February,2025. We apologies for the inconvenience that this may cause you."
In a swift reaction, the SSA, O U Obono, Major General(Retired) in a counter statement with reference No.
SSG/SSO/430/S.1/Vol.1l/409
30th January,2025 and titled PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT, reads in part: "We refer to the earlier announcement dated 24th January, 2025,suspending the planned activities of Nkot Mbok.
"Despite the said announcement, the organisers of Nkot Mbok are bent on holding the event on the 1st of February, 2025 without due permit.
"In view of the above,the activities of Nkot Mbok are hereby suspended indefinitely.
Concerned parties are advised to adhere strictly to the suspension. Defaulters will be prosecuted."
On their part, the Cross River State Police Command, in a press release dated January 31, 2025, and signed by SP Irene Ugbo, the Police Public Relations Officer, reaffirms suspension of Nkot Mbok masquerade dance and warns against defying order.
The RELELASE reads in part: "The Cross River State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogon Augustine Grimah, PSC, FCAI, wishes to reiterate the suspension of the Nkot Mbok masquerade dance as announced by the Government of Cross River State on the 24th and 30th of January, 2025.
"It has come to the attention of the Police Command that, despite the State government’s directive, the organizers of Nkot Mbok still intend to proceed with the event purportedly on 1st of February, 2025, without the necessary permit/clearance.
"The Police Command warns that this defiance of the government’s order is unlawful and will not be tolerated.
"The suspension of the planned activities is in effect indefinitely, and the Command urges all concerned parties, including the organizers to comply with the directives. Anyone found violating this suspension will face the full wrath of the law.
"Furthermore, the Cross River State Police Command remains committed and resolute in maintaining law and order in the state and fully prepared to take all necessary actions to uphold the safety and security of lives and property. We urge residents to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station and cooperate fully with law enforcement officials."
As early as 6:00am, the police command in the state had deployed security operatives at strategic locations to forestall any breakdown of law and order within Calabar metropolis.
When THE BEAGLES NEWS went round town as early as 7: 00 am, it was discovered that stern-looking security personnel were positioned at Mayne Avenue by Murray Streets, Goldie By Marian axis, Calabar road, Ette Agbor and Stadium by Calabar.
About 2:00 pm, the Anti-Kidnappings Squad had taken over the Mayne Avenue playing field frisking motorists and some passers-by who dress shabbily.
