Former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi recently discussed his reasons for wearing the traditional Igbo clothing with the red cap and tiger head design in an interview with Arise Television..CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Amaechi, a member of Rivers State’s Ikwerre ethnic community, clarified that it was a protest.
Despite being an Ikwerre man first and foremost, he acknowledged the close cultural ties between the Ikwerre and the Igbo, citing parallels in language, cuisine, and customs. According to Amaechi, a small percentage of Ikwerre people, including himself, recognize a connection even if many do not identify as Igbo.
He claims that after witnessing the unjust treatment of the Igbo people in Nigeria, he made the choice to publicly dress in Igbo clothing. He started wearing in their traditional attire, which is a red cap and tiger-head patterned top that represents Igbo pride and identity, in order to show his support for them. He made it apparent that this decision was symbolic and political. “I made my identity as an Igbo man public in protest,” he claimed. For Amaechi, speaking up against injustice was just as important as identity.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>