Vice President Kashim Shettima has criticized Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the UK Conservative Party, for making negative comments about Nigeria.
Speaking at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the State House in Abuja on Monday, Shettima underscored the importance of migrants, describing them as a vital force in all societies.
He remarked, “Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the British Conservative Party, is someone we are proud of, despite her attempts to denigrate her country of origin. She is entitled to her own opinions and even has the right to distance herself from her roots, but that does not change the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is Nigeria. One out of every three or four black people is Nigerian, and by 2050, Nigeria will become the third most populous country in the world, surpassing the United States.”
In 2022, Badenoch faced backlash for comments she made about her childhood in Nigeria, in which she highlighted issues like corruption, unfulfilled promises, and poverty. She stated, “I grew up in Nigeria and witnessed firsthand how politicians prioritize their own interests. They treat public funds as their personal piggybanks, make grand promises, and fail to deliver, leaving behind a polluted political climate. I saw what socialism meant for millions — poverty and shattered dreams. I came to Britain to build a future in a country where hard work and honesty can take you anywhere.”
