‘Not Interested in Nigeria PR’ – Kemi Badenoch defends criticism of Nigeria

December 12, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, has reiterated her commitment to speaking truthfully about Nigeria, despite criticism from Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Badenoch, who was born in the UK but raised in Nigeria, has been vocal about her experiences growing up in a country plagued by corruption and insecurity.

“I grew up in Nigeria, and I saw firsthand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, when they use public money as their private piggy banks, when they pollute the whole political atmosphere with their failure to serve others,” Badenoch said.

“I saw what socialism is for millions. I saw poverty and broken dreams. I came to Britain to make my way in a country where hard work and honest endeavour can take you anywhere.”

Shettima responded to Badenoch’s comments by accusing her of denigrating Nigeria and comparing her to former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has never spoken negatively about his ancestral country, India.

Shettima also suggested that Badenoch change her first name if she no longer wished to identify with her homeland.

However, Badenoch’s spokesman said she stands by her statements and is not interested in “doing PR for Nigeria.

“She is the leader of the opposition, and she is very proud of her leadership of the opposition in this country,” the spokesman said.

“She tells the truth. She tells it like it is. She’s not going to couch her words, and she stands by what she says”