By Adenike Lawal
UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has reaffirmed her position on Nigeria despite facing criticism from Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
Shettima accused Badenoch of disparaging Nigeria following her remarks about the country’s political and social challenges.
Badenoch, who spent part of her childhood in Nigeria, has frequently spoken about her experiences growing up in an environment she described as fraught with fear and insecurity due to systemic corruption.
Reflecting on these experiences, she remarked, “I grew up in Nigeria and saw firsthand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves—when they use public money as their private piggy banks and pollute the political atmosphere with their failure to serve others.”
She has also criticized the effects of socialism and poverty in Nigeria, expressing that her move to Britain was motivated by the pursuit of opportunities where hard work and meritocracy could lead to success.
In response, Vice President Shettima took issue with Badenoch’s narrative, contrasting her stance with that of former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has refrained from publicly criticizing his ancestral homeland, India.
Shettima suggested that Badenoch reconsider her identity if she feels disconnected from Nigeria.
When asked about Shettima’s criticism, a spokesperson for Badenoch reiterated her commitment to standing by her statements.
“Kemi Badenoch values honesty and transparency in discussing issues related to her homeland and will not engage in public relations efforts to portray Nigeria differently from her lived experiences,” the spokesperson stated.
The exchange has sparked conversations about diaspora perspectives on their countries of origin, with Badenoch’s comments continuing to draw both support and criticism.
