- Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago issued a directive against wearing dreadlocks on April 22.
- The directive was announced during a security meeting in Minna, aimed at addressing rising insecurity in the state capital.
- Governor Bago instructed security operatives to arrest individuals with dreadlocks as part of this initiative.
A recent directive issued by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, against wearing dreadlocks has sparked public debate. Social media critic Martins Otse, known as Verydarkman (VDM), has voiced his opinion on the matter.
As reported by GistLover, Governor Bago issued the directive on April 22 during a security meeting held in Minna. He instructed security operatives to arrest anyone wearing dreadlocks in an effort to tackle the increasing insecurity in the state capital.
In his statement, Bago explained that anyone found carrying weapons, such as knives or sticks, should be treated as armed robbers. He further added that if such individuals were killed in the process, their parents would have to pay for the bullets before the corpse was released. Additionally, anyone with dreadlocks should be arrested and have their hair shaved.
This directive quickly went viral on social media, drawing significant attention.
On April 23, VDM responded with a video expressing his disagreement with the governor’s measure. He argued that the policy could harm businesses involved in making dreadlocks in the state. According to VDM, wearing dreadlocks does not indicate irresponsibility. In fact, he argued that it symbolizes strength, referencing the biblical figure Samson as an example.
VDM also pointed out that none of the individuals arrested for insecurity-related issues had dreadlocks, questioning the governor’s connection between dreadlocks and insecurity. “All the people they don catch for insecurity, none of them carry dreadlocks, show him a Boko Haram with dreadlocks,” VDM remarked in the video.
He went on to criticize the governor for stereotyping people with dreadlocks, urging him to apologize for the harmful generalization. “You should apologise to the people with dreadlocks, it is a bad stereotype,” VDM added.
In the caption of his video, VDM emphasized the negative impact the directive could have, calling it a violation of people’s right to personal choice.
In related news, GistLover also reported that VDM had previously shared his experience in Plateau after commenting about the state governor.
The video addressing Governor Bago’s new directive continues to stir conversations on social media.
See post below:
See some comments below:
@KAYBLUE3031:”Abeg who changed our dear country to these for God sake God didn’t do mistake made me here oo nah bad leader we mistake chosen for our leader.”
@Abdul_Kangiwa:”Bro, in the North, locks re often culturally perceived as a sign of irresponsibility. Regarding the issue of insecurity that was mentioned, there’s currently an incident unfolding in Minna metropolis involving gang-related violence.”
@Sharpcy_treats:”I support this because it helps us differentiate between people who are normal and those who are mad.”
@OlaniyiTaofiq:”You can dare him by visiting Niger state with your Nkprumiri hair.”
@Ibrahim87409863:”Guy stopped just because you carry dreadlock hair doesn’t mean you should attack governor like,, and his specifically talking about Niger state only not the all Nigeria,, the only thing you can do is investigate before jumping into conclusion.”
