Kemi Badenoch Sparks Outrage Over Controversial Remarks on Northern Nigeria
United Kingdom Conservative Party leader and Minister for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, has stirred controversy once again with remarks about her Nigerian heritage, particularly Northern Nigeria.
In an interview with The Spectator, Badenoch stated, “I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram where Islamism is.” Her comment has been widely criticized for linking an entire region to extremism.
Badenoch, who has often spoken critically about Nigeria, emphasized her Yoruba identity, saying, “Being Yoruba is my true identity, and I refuse to be lumped with northern people of Nigeria, who ‘were our ethnic enemies,’ all in the name of being called a Nigerian.”
Her remarks have drawn sharp responses from Nigerian officials. Vice President Kashim Shettima condemned her statements, accusing her of divisive rhetoric and urging her to relinquish her Nigerian name if she no longer identifies with the country. “If she dissociates from Nigeria, she should stop using the name Kemi. Such divisive comments do not help anyone,” Shettima said.
Phrank Shaibu, spokesperson for former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, also weighed in, suggesting that rather than focusing on Badenoch’s divisive remarks, Nigerian leaders should address pressing governance challenges.
In the same interview, Badenoch further distanced herself from Nigeria, saying, “I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity (Yoruba).” She reiterated her loyalty to the United Kingdom, where she holds a senior government position.
The controversy has reignited debates about identity, loyalty, and public figures’ responsibilities when addressing their heritage.
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