Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, has once again criticized Nigeria’s governance, warning that Britain must avoid the pitfalls of what she described as “poor” leadership that has devastated lives in her home country.
In her first speech of the year on Thursday, Badenoch championed “real conservatism,” promising a “better, richer, and safer” future for Britain’s younger generation. She expressed concerns about the effects of Nigeria’s prolonged mismanagement and corruption, which she believes have stifled progress.
Known for her forthrightness, Badenoch has previously criticized the Nigerian police, describing them as “armed robbers” for their treatment of citizens. Her latest remarks, however, have drawn sharp criticism from Nigerian officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who urged her to change her name if she no longer wishes to be associated with what he described as the “greatest black nation on earth.”
Badenoch reflected on her personal experiences, recounting her upbringing in Nigeria and her family’s financial struggles despite hard work. “I know what it is like to have something and lose it. I don’t want Britain to lose what it has,” she said.
She also shared her journey to the UK at 16, armed with only her father’s last £100 and hope for a brighter future. “I’ve experienced the consequences of a government that destroys lives, and I never, ever want that to happen here,” Badenoch said, emphasizing her determination to prevent the UK from mirroring Nigeria’s failures.
