Rap artist Cardi B has revealed she is applying for Nigerian citizenship amid escalating tension between the USA and Iran.
Following the rush of World War III memes which were shared following the death of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike, Cardi wrote "Naaaaa these memes are f***in but s**t ain't no joke! ... Specially being from New York. Dumbest move Trump did to till date [sic]... I'm filing for my Nigerian citizenship."
In response to her tweet, a Nigerian government official responded to say "our doors are open."
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, whose Twitter bio says she is Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, an organisation which supports Nigerians living outside their home country, wrote: "As one in charge of the Diaspora for Ngr, we can’t wait to receive you again. Our doors are open, sister. And you need to talk a walk through the Door of Return in Badagry. It’s an indescribable experience."
Cardi B (real name Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar) grew up in the South Bronx, the daughter of a Dominican father and Trinidadian mother. In December she toured Nigeria and Ghana.
This morning it was revealed that Iran had launched a series of missiles at two air bases in Iraq where US troops are stationed. The move follows national outcry over the killing of general Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike following attacks on the US embassy in Iraq.
Cardi B is not the only celebrity to respond to the escalating Iran-US crisis. Actress Rose McGowan received backlash online when she apologised to Iran for the killing of Soleimani.
"Dear Iran, The USA has disrespected your country, your flag, your people. 52% of us humbly apologize. We want peace with your nation" she wrote on Twitter.
She later walked back on her apology to Iran, saying she had "stupidly looked at Twitter" after waking up.
