By Esseh Ikora, Uyo
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has signed into law the Cultism and other Violent Behaviour Prohibition Order 2018, outlaws 33 groups, including the Pyrates Confraternity in the state.
The governor who spoke during the brief signing ceremony in Uyo said the Order is to reenergize the already existing criminal code law, Cap 38 Laws of Akwa Ibom State dated 2000.
He explained that security issues reported recently in Etim Ekpo, Ukanfun and Ikot Ekpene local government areas had necessitated all the security measures which would take effect from March 12, 2018.
Emmanuel further said that although only three local government areas have security flash points at the moment, the law applied to the 31 local government areas of the state.
“Let me also implore other local government areas that have actually embraced peace to continue to show that in their conduct and everything that they do, because we want peace in every part of this state.” He said.
The proscribed groups include Vikings,Black Axe, KKK; Buccaneers, Mafia, Luttox (Junior Black Axe),Debam; Dew Pirates Confraternity, Icelanders, Red Skins, Pirates, Amoc, Akwa Marines; and Utoto Groups (419).
Others proscribed groups found in secondary and Primary schools include the Luttox, The Red Skins, St. Stephens, Dewell, Sept 11 Group, Secret Sons of Satan, King Cobra, J.V (Junior Vikings), Bats, Predators, Black Ladies, Black Cross, Scavengers, Skylolo , Sons of Nights, Blood Brotherhood, Junior Buccaneers, White Angels; and Musket.
Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko lamented that the problem of cultism and other unlawful secrete societies in the state had become a major source of concern to the people of the state.
“This is why the Governor made the order to prohibit and ban the operations and recognition or activities of all the listed cult group as they are henceforth banned and prohibited in Akwa Ibom.
“The Secret Cult Prohibition Law provides a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment for the culprit. And having reviewed the law, we have come to terms with the fact that these penalties are not adequate as of today to serve as a deterrent to people who are found guilty of this law and so His Excellency is very soon going to propose to the House of Assembly an amendment to this law to raise the level of penalty and sanctions that will follow contravention of the laws,” he said.
Nwoko decried the growing number of groups in the society, in secondary schools and even at other strata of the society.
“Just like any other law, it will serve no useful purpose if the members of the society do not rise up to support the law because even security agencies will need the cooperation and information from various communities, from various schools, from principals, from everywhere to identify the operations of this groups.
“Some of them are operating in very secret manners and it is the responsibility of every Akwa Ibomite and every resident of Akwa Ibom who identifies or knows where they operate and the name under which they operate to bring to the knowledge of the security agencies and the government for effective action,” he explained.
On eyebrows raised over the inclusion of Pirates Confraternity by members of the public due to their public humanitarian and philanthropic disposition Nwoko said that their proscription is based on security report.
“Yes among the proscribed groups is Pirates Confraternity, the one you know. And this is based on security report from security agencies,” Nwoko explained.
