Niger State Governor Umar Bago reversed his controversial orders, causing security agents to arrest the man with braided hair in the state capital Minna.
The governor’s original instructions at a security meeting at the Government Building on Tuesday sparked widespread criticism and rebound from Nigerians across the country.
In resolving the security situation in the state, Governor Bago published a propaganda saying, “Anyone you find braids, arrests, barbs and fines for someone. No one should carry any form of hairstyle inside Minna. I’ve placed an order with the security agency.”
The Governor’s remarks immediately attracted attention because many believed it was discriminatory and excessive violation of state authority.
The directive was widely condemned on social media and the citizens concerned, prompting Governor Bago to reassess his position. On Wednesday, he made a public turnaround to clarify that his comments were misunderstood.
The governor said to calm the growing anger. “Yesterday, we read the riots about hooliganism and people misunderstood our words to people with braids.”
Governor Bago clarified that the current problem is not the person wearing braids, but the person suspected of participating in the cult.
“We have no problem with braids, but we have problems with cults here. So if you have any business and have braids, come to Niger State. He assured the public that he tried to clear the air and reframe his earlier statements.
