Veteran Nigerian musician, John Asiemo, better known as Daddy Showkey, has publicly criticised Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, over his controversial directive to arrest individuals sporting dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, Showkey, who is known for his iconic dreadlocks, questioned the governor’s move and the rationale behind it. "Na dreadlock dey cause insecurity for the country or na dada dey worry you? What of people with mumu beard?" he asked, challenging the governor's logic.
Showkey also expressed his disapproval by revealing that he had been planning a visit to Minna, but would now reconsider due to Bago's directive. "Mohamed Umar, dada be your problem? I dey to come Minna but now you have ask your security agents to cut off dreadlocks so hold your state, but make you cut your beer beer," he added, sarcastically referring to the governor’s decree.
The controversy began after Governor Bago issued the order during a stakeholders’ security meeting at the Government House on Tuesday, instructing security agencies to not only arrest individuals with dreadlocks but also to forcibly shave their hair and impose fines. However, after facing widespread backlash from the public and civil rights groups, the governor reversed his decision.
The incident has sparked debates about personal freedoms, security policies, and the role of leadership in addressing societal concerns, with figures like Daddy Showkey using their platforms to question policies that impact individual rights.
