Vice President Shettima Criticizes UK Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch Over Remarks About Nigeria
Vice President Kashim Shettima has criticized Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the UK Conservative Party, for comments perceived as disparaging to Nigeria. Speaking at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue in Abuja on Monday, Shettima emphasized the vital contributions of migrants to societies and expressed disappointment in Badenoch’s remarks about her country of origin.
Referring to former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Shettima said, “Rishi Sunak, originally from India, never denigrated his nation of ancestry or poured venom on India. We are proud of Kemi Badenoch despite her efforts to denigrate Nigeria, her nation of origin. She has every right to remove the ‘Kemi’ from her name, but that doesn’t change the fact that Nigeria remains the greatest Black nation on earth.”
Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s prominence on the global stage, noting, “One in every three or four Black people in the world is Nigerian. By 2050, Nigeria will surpass the United States to become the third most populous nation.”
The Vice President also underscored the importance of migrants in driving societal and economic growth, calling for pride in their contributions.
Badenoch, 44, born in the UK to Nigerian Yoruba parents, spent her early years in Nigeria before returning to the UK at age 16. She has often shared her critical perspective on Nigeria, describing it as a socialist country plagued by corruption and insecurity.
In past comments, Badenoch stated, “I grew up in Nigeria and saw firsthand what happens when politicians misuse public resources, leaving the society in poverty and fear. This is my country [Britain], and I don’t want it to become like the place I ran away from.”
Her remarks included vivid accounts of life in Nigeria, describing a climate of fear and insecurity, where burglaries and violence were common concerns. Badenoch’s hardline stance on immigration and views on Britain’s colonial history have further fueled debates surrounding her leadership and connection to her Nigerian roots.
