Vice President Shettima criticises Kemi Badenoch for disparaging Nigeria, asserting the country’s significance on the global stage at the Annual Migration Dialogue.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has accused Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, of disparaging Nigeria, her country of origin.
Shettima made the comments on Monday during the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the State House in Abuja, where he expressed his pride in Badenoch’s achievements despite her recent criticisms of Nigeria.
Also read: Shettima, Ganduje Bag Chieftaincy Titles In Anambra (PHOTOS)
Shettima began by acknowledging Badenoch’s rise to political prominence but voiced his disappointment over her remarks about Nigeria.
“Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the British Labour or Conservative Party, we are proud of her despite her efforts at denigrating her nation of origin,” he said.
He further emphasised that while Badenoch is entitled to her opinions, her comments do not diminish Nigeria’s global standing.
“She has every right to remove the Kemi from her name, but that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria,” Shettima stated.
The Vice President highlighted Nigeria’s critical role on the global stage, noting that the country is home to a significant portion of the black population worldwide.
“One out of every three, four black men is a Nigerian,” Shettima pointed out. He also referred to Nigeria’s projected future influence, predicting that by 2050, Nigeria would be the third most populous nation, supporting the United States in global affairs.
In addition to discussing Nigeria’s significance, Shettima spoke on the broader topic of migration, noting the important contributions migrants make to societies and economies.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to protecting the rights of migrants and recognising their vital role in national development.
Kemi Badenoch, a British MP of Nigerian descent, had previously accused Nigerian politicians of mismanaging public funds in 2022.
This criticism resurfaced following her election as the Conservative Party leader in November 2024. In response, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) attempted to reach out to her office, but the commission reportedly received no response, according to NIDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
