NAN
Akwa Ibom Government has reminded individuals and groups operating in the state that the existing Cultism and other Violent Behaviours Prohibition Order 2018 was still in force.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Charles Udoh, said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the state government on March 12, outlawed the activities of 32 cult groups in the state.
Udoh said government was aware of plans by some self-centered individuals, hiding under the cloak of political opposition, to instigate a cult war in the state.
According to him, the intention of the self-centered individuals is to create false sense of insecurity to disrupt the peace and tranquility the state is enjoying.
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“In the light of this development, the Akwa Ibom State Government wishes to draw the attention of the public to the existing Cultism and other Violent Behaviours Prohibition Order 2018.
“The order, which became effective March 12, 2018 and is still actively in force, prohibits and bans the operations and recognition of activities of all cult groups,” Udoh said.
The commissioner added that the state government, in conjunction with security agencies, would continue to do all within its powers to preserve the extant laws of the land and protect lives and property.
He, however, said that the full weight of the law would be visited on any person or group of persons, irrespective of political affiliation, who instigates, sponsors or employs violence in any form or semblance within the state.
Udoh advised law abiding citizens to be vigilant and go about their normal duties.
He advised citizens to draw the attention of security agencies to any suspicious activities they might notice that could threaten the peace and security of the state.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that Akwa Ibom remained a safe haven for residents, citizens, tourists and investors.