Vice-President Kashim Shettima criticized Kemi Badenoch for her negative comments about Nigeria, her country of origin. Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s global significance, defending the nation as the greatest Black country while questioning Badenoch’s discontent with her heritage. He highlighted Nigeria’s contributions and future demographic impact.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima recently criticized Kemi Badenoch, the UK’s Conservative Party leader, over derogatory comments she made about Nigeria, her country of origin. Badenoch, born in the UK to Nigerian parents and raised in Nigeria until she was 16, had previously described the country as plagued by corruption, insecurity, and poverty. During her campaign for Conservative Party leadership, she stated that she did not want the UK to resemble Nigeria, highlighting the fear and insecurity she experienced growing up there.
Badenoch’s remarks painted Nigerian politicians as selfish and corrupt, claiming they misuse public funds and accusing the nation of being a “socialist” state full of broken promises. She recounted her own experiences, describing a childhood filled with fear, locking doors and windows, and hearing her neighbors being attacked during burglaries.
In response, Shettima addressed the issue at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue in Abuja, countering Badenoch’s comments by celebrating the contributions of migrants worldwide, especially Nigerians. He pointed out that, unlike Badenoch, Rishi Sunak, the former British Prime Minister of Indian descent, never disparaged his heritage.
Shettima dared Badenoch to consider dropping "Kemi" from her name if she was so ashamed of Nigeria, emphasizing that Nigeria remains the "greatest Black nation on earth." He highlighted Nigeria’s global significance, citing that by 2050, it will be one of the most populous countries, second only to China and India.
