Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, has again delivered a critique of Nigeria’s governance, warning that Britain must not follow in the footsteps of what she described as “poor” leadership that has destroyed lives in her home country.
In her first speech of the year on Thursday, Badenoch made her case for “real conservatism” that promises a “better, richer, and safer” future for the younger generation in Britain.
Her comments came amid growing frustrations over what she perceives as the consequences of Nigeria’s prolonged mismanagement and corruption.
Badenoch, known for her outspokenness, has previously condemned the Nigerian police, calling them “armed robbers” for the way they intimidate citizens.
The latest round of criticism, however, has sparked anger from Nigerian officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who responded by urging Badenoch to change her name if she does not wish to be associated with the “greatest black nation on earth.”
According to her, “Why this matters so much to me is because I know what it is like to have something and lose it. I don’t want Britain to lose what it has.
“I grew up in a poor country, and I watched my relatively wealthy family become poorer and poorer and poorer despite working harder as their money disappeared with inflation,” Badenoch said.
However, the Tory leader shared her personal story of moving to the UK at 16 with just her father’s last £100, driven by the hope of a better life.
She expressed a strong desire to prevent the UK from ever becoming like Nigeria, where poor governance devastates lives.
“When I came to the UK at 16, I had my father’s last £100 and the hope for a better future. I’ve experienced the consequences of a government that destroys lives, and I never, ever want that to happen here,” Ms. Badenoch said.