Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, has defended her statements about Nigeria despite criticism from Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, as reported by VANGUARD.
Badenoch, who spent her childhood in Nigeria, often speaks about the challenges she faced growing up in the country, including issues of corruption, insecurity, and poverty.
In recent statements, Badenoch criticized the state of governance in Nigeria, describing it as marred by selfish leadership and misuse of public funds.
She highlighted these experiences as a motivation for seeking opportunities in the United Kingdom, where she believes hard work and integrity are rewarded.
“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.”
“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,” she said.
Vice President Shettima responded by accusing Badenoch of displaying Nigeria negatively and compared her approach with that of former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who he said has never publicly criticized his ancestral country, India.
Shettima suggested that Badenoch reconsider her connection to Nigeria if she felt so strongly about its flaws.
In response, Badenoch maintained her position, underlining her commitment to truth and honesty.
She expressed no interest in presenting a more favorable view of Nigeria, choosing instead to focus on the realities she experienced.
“She stands by her statements and not interested in doing PR for Nigeria.
“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,” her aide stated.