Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has reversed his controversial directive ordering the arrest and punishment of individuals with dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital, following widespread backlash from members of the public.
The initial directive was issued on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ security meeting held at the Government House, where Governor Bago instructed security operatives to apprehend individuals spotted with dreadlocks, shave their hair, and impose fines on them.
“Anybody that you find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair, and fine the person,” the governor had said during the meeting.
“Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies,” he added.
The statement drew swift criticism from many Nigerians who viewed the order as discriminatory and a violation of individual rights. Human rights advocates, civil society organisations, and social media users condemned the governor’s position, describing it as an infringement on personal freedom and an inappropriate use of executive power.
In response to the backlash, Governor Bago backtracked on the directive on Wednesday and clarified his earlier remarks. While addressing potential investors and reiterating his administration’s openness to development initiatives, the governor said his comments were misinterpreted.
“Yesterday we read a riot act on hooliganism and people misunderstood our words for people who have dreadlocks,” Bago stated.
“We don’t have a problem with dreadlocks but we have a problem with the cult here with dreadlocks. So if you have any business and you have dreadlocks, please come to Niger State. All that is media propaganda.”
He used the opportunity to invite business-minded individuals to invest in the state, assuring them of a conducive environment for enterprise and innovation, regardless of their personal appearance or hairstyle.
