The Ebonyi Government has restricted movement of masquerades in the state to areas such as playgrounds and other recreational centres.

Sen. Emmanuel Onwe, Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, disclosed thison Mondayin Abakaliki while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state’s Executive Council meeting.

According to him, the decision was as a result of problems recorded at Ndufu Echara in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.

“Masquerades in every part of the state are henceforth confined to playgrounds and other areas where they would not harass people around their vicinity.

“Government is serious on the enforcement of this directive, as the security of lives and properties of citizens is paramount in its policy direction.

“The Executive Council also banned its members and other top government officials from meddling into the affairs of town unions.”

The commissioner said that the state government has also banned the activities of vigilante groups across the state with the exception of those initiated and operated by town unions.

“These vigilante groups were banned because cultists and other miscreants hid under their guise to unleash mayhem on the citizens.”

The commissioner disclosed that individuals from different affiliations in the state would benefit from the N130million empowerment funds of the government.

“The present government being a responsible one, is administering the affairs of the entire citizens no matter their political and social affiliations.

“The criteria for benefiting from the empowerment fund are resourcefulness and capacity, as the government is determined to give the citizens the right sense of belonging.”

The commissioner also said that the state governor condemned situations where appointments are made and appointees ‘keep him waiting’ in accepting such offers.

“The governor would no longer tolerate such situations, as he has directed that appointees who wish to decline such appointments communicate to him immediately through writing or phone calls.” (NAN)

•Photo shows masquerades.