International
Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, made a striking comparison between the United Kingdom and Nigeria in her first speech of the year.
She warned that Britain could face consequences similar to those seen in countries with “terrible governments” like Nigeria if reforms are not enacted.
Speaking at an event organized by the think tank Onward, Badenoch emphasized the need for trust in government and positioned the Conservative Party as the best group to bring about necessary changes in the UK.
Her comments highlighted concerns about governance and the importance of reform to avoid undesirable outcomes for Britain’s future.
“And why does this matter so much to me? It’s because I know what it is like to have something and then to lose it,” Badenoch told the audience.
“I don’t want Britain to lose what it has.
“I grew up in a poor country and watched my relatively wealthy family become poorer and poorer, despite working harder and harder as their money disappeared with inflation.
“I came back to the UK aged 16 with my father’s last £100 in the hope of a better life.
“So I have lived with the consequences of terrible governments that destroy lives, and I never, ever want it to happen here.”
Kemi Badenoch’s remarks have sparked criticism from Nigerian leaders, particularly Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who accused her of “constantly denigrating” Nigeria.
Badenoch’s comparison of the UK potentially becoming like Nigeria if reforms are not made was seen as an affront to her home country.
Shettima’s rebuke reflects a broader disapproval of what some perceive as an unfair portrayal of Nigeria’s governance and its challenges.
Badenoch, who was born in Nigeria, has faced backlash for what critics see as negative comments about the country, despite her position of wanting to draw lessons from its challenges to prevent similar issues in the UK.
Badenoch before becoming UK’s opposition leader, described Nigeria as a socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.
In a separate interview, Kemi Badenoch further criticised her home country, recounting personal experiences, including an accusation that the Nigerian police robbed her and stole her brother’s shoes.
She also hinted at having had to walk miles to fetch water while living in Nigeria, despite her family’s wealth.
These revelations have fueled the backlash from Nigerian leaders and citizens, who have taken issue with her negative portrayal of the country.
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for Badenoch stated that she is not trying to “launder” Nigeria’s image, emphasizing that her comments are meant to highlight the issues she experienced, rather than dismissing the country’s complexities.
