A recent directive by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, banning the wearing of dreadlocks has sparked public debate.
Recall that the governor directed security operatives to arrest anyone wearing dreadlocks, citing efforts to curb insecurity in the state capital.
“Anyone keeping dreadlock hair should be arrested and shaved,” Bago stated. Social media critic Martins Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), has weighed in on the issue, criticizing the directive.
VDM argued that dreadlocks don’t signify irresponsibility but rather strength, citing Samson in the Bible as an example.
“All the people they don catch for insecurity, none of them carry dreadlocks, show him a Boko Haram with dreadlocks,” VDM said. He further stated that the governor cannot stereotype people with dreadlocks by linking them to insecurity. “You should apologise to the people with dreadlocks, it is a bad stereotype,” he added.
VDM also noted that the directive could lead to the closure of businesses related to making dreadlocks in the state. “That will be a clampdown on their right to choice amongst other things,” he captioned his video.
