Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader, defiantly stands by her past comments about Nigeria after Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima criticized her remarks.
Despite being accused of “denigrating” Nigeria, Badenoch asserts she speaks the truth about her childhood in a lawless, corrupt country and proudly upholds her leadership role in the UK.
Content Highlights
- Kemi Badenoch criticized Nigeria’s corruption and insecurity during her youth.
- Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima suggests Badenoch change her name if she’s not proud of Nigeria.
- Badenoch’s spokesperson states she stands by her views and is “not the PR for Nigeria.”
- Shettima compares Badenoch to Rishi Sunak, who never denigrated his ancestral country.
- Badenoch describes growing up in Lagos amidst fear, insecurity, and corruption.
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader born in the UK and raised in Nigeria, has made it clear that she stands by her comments about the country, even after facing sharp criticism from Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Badenoch, who has long been outspoken about the insecurity and corruption she experienced while growing up in Nigeria, has described her time there as one of fear and hardship.
Despite the backlash, she remains steadfast in her position.
A Bold Stand
In a speech delivered on Monday, Vice-President Shettima suggested that if Badenoch was not proud of her “nation of origin,” she might consider removing the “Kemi” from her name.
Shettima’s remarks were a response to Badenoch’s previous statements, in which she described her childhood in Lagos as lawless and marked by constant fear.
Her experiences shaped her conservative ideals, with a clear stance against socialism, which she often contrasts with the freedoms she found upon moving to the UK.
When asked about Shettima’s comments, Badenoch’s spokesman stated firmly that she “stands by what she says” and “is not the PR for Nigeria.”
The spokesman continued, emphasizing that Badenoch is proud of her role as leader of the opposition in the UK and is committed to telling the truth without sugarcoating her words. “She tells it like it is,” he added.
The Heart of the Disagreement
During a speech in Abuja, Shettima addressed the situation, expressing pride in Badenoch “despite her efforts at denigrating her nation of origin.”
The vice-president was met with applause as he delivered his thoughts, saying, “She is entitled to her own opinions; she has even every right to remove the Kemi from her name, but that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria.”
He contrasted Badenoch’s approach with that of Rishi Sunak, the UK’s first prime minister of Indian heritage, who he described as a “brilliant young man” who never criticized his heritage.
It remains unclear exactly which comments Shettima was referring to, but Badenoch has frequently spoken about her Nigerian upbringing, particularly in relation to the challenges she faced there.
Reflections on a Difficult Past
Born Olukemi Adegoke in Wimbledon in 1980, Badenoch grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, before moving to the United States with her mother.
At the age of 16, she returned to the UK to escape the worsening political and economic climate in Nigeria, where she lived with a family friend to continue her studies.
At the Conservative Party conference this year, Badenoch shared vivid memories of her time in Lagos, contrasting it with the freedoms she found in the UK.
She recounted how fear permeated daily life, recalling hearing “neighbors scream as they are being burgled and beaten – and wondering if your home will be next.”
These powerful recollections continue to influence Badenoch’s public life and politics.
They have not only shaped her personal journey but also helped to mold her strong political beliefs.
A Legacy of Truth and Leadership
As the leader of the opposition, Badenoch’s commitment to honesty and a no-nonsense approach to politics has won her admiration and respect.
She is determined to lead by example, inspiring others with her unwavering dedication to confronting difficult truths, no matter the backlash.
Her unique perspective, shaped by both her Nigerian roots and British upbringing, has become an integral part of her political identity.
While critics, such as Shettima, may not agree with her views, Kemi Badenoch remains resolute in her belief that speaking the truth is essential for progress.
With a legacy built on transparency and courage, she continues to challenge the status quo, making her voice heard in both the UK and internationally.