Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed his disapproval of Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the UK Conservative Party, over her negative remarks about Nigeria.
Speaking at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the State House in Abuja on Monday, Shettima emphasized the vital role of migrants in global societies and defended Nigeria’s stature.
He stated, “Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the British Labour or Conservative Party, despite her efforts to undermine her country of origin, we remain proud of her. She is entitled to her opinions, and she even has the right to distance herself from her roots, but that does not change the fact that Nigeria is the greatest Black nation on Earth.”
Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s significance, noting, “One out of every three or four Black men is Nigerian, and by 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous country in the world, surpassing the United States.”
Badenoch had previously faced backlash in 2022 for comments about her upbringing in Nigeria, where she described experiencing corruption, broken promises, and poverty.
She criticized the selfishness of politicians, claiming they treated public funds as their personal property and failed to serve the people.
Badenoch expressed that she left Nigeria seeking a better life in the UK, where hard work and honesty could lead to success.
