December 25, (THEWILL) – Shatu Garko, the winner of 2021 Miss Nigeria, has reacted to criticisms concerning her participation in this year’s edition of the beauty pageant.
THEWILL writes that Garko, who is from Kano, recently became the first hijab-wearing contestant to win the coveted crown since the pageant began in 1957.
However, her participation in the contest has continued to spark reactions because of her Muslim background.
Speaking in a chat with BBC Pidgin, the 18-year-old berated critics, saying “Nigerians like judging people”.
The new Miss Nigeria also refuted claims by some people that she paid to emerge winner of the contest.
“Honestly, Nigerians like judging people. Many people said the president paid for me to get the crown, others said the state governor paid to get me the crown. There are also those who claimed my parents paid Miss Nigeria but that’s not true,” she said.
Speaking on the claim of Hisbah, Garko stated that she is yet to get an invitation but has received several scathing remarks from people.
The hijab model, however, disclosed that she remains unperturbed by criticisms, adding that there is nothing she can do about the crown.
“No one has called me but I’ve gotten so many comments and DMs that ‘I was naked’, ‘I’m doing the wrong thing,” she added.
“Some people who are not even Muslims said that I’m spoiling the Miss Nigeria culture. Honestly, I don’t reply them, I don’t say anything, I just move on. The crown is already on my head so there is nothing I can do.”
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