December 12, (THEWILL) – British Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has rebuffed criticism from Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, asserting that she is not a public relations officer for Nigeria.
The 44-year-old British-Nigerian, who represents North West Essex in the UK Parliament, made the statement in response to Shettima’s remarks accusing her of portraying Nigeria negatively.
Badenoch has often spoken about the challenges of growing up in Nigeria, citing insecurity, corruption, and life under military rule. She once described Lagos as a city where “fear was everywhere.”
While addressing participants at the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, Shettima criticised Badenoch for what he described as her denigration of Nigeria, her country of origin.
“She is entitled to her opinions; she even has every right to remove the ‘Kemi’ from her name. But that does not change the fact that the greatest Black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria,” Shettima declared.
Reacting on Wednesday, Badenoch doubled down on her previous statements, emphasizing her commitment to speaking candidly.
“I tell the truth. I tell it like it is. I am not going to couch my words. I am the leader of the opposition, and I am very proud of my leadership in this country. I am not the PR for Nigeria,” she told journalists.
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