The Nigerian presidency has expressed concern over recent comments made by Kemi Badenoch, a UK Conservative Party leader of Nigerian descent.
It was recalled that in a speech delivered at an event organized by British think tank Onward, Badenoch described Nigeria’s government as destructive and warned that Britain could face similar issues if systemic reforms are not implemented.
Reacting on Sunday, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communications, criticized Badenoch’s remarks, saying that the Nigerian authorities are saddened by her rhetoric.
He urged her to refrain from using negative comparisons involving Nigeria to appeal to political supporters in the UK.
Bwala acknowledged Badenoch’s achievements in UK politics but noted the disappointment caused by her comments about Nigeria, her country of origin.
He wrote: “I truly wish that sister Kemi Badenoch would avoid denigrating Nigeria, the country of her origin as a weapon to please her far right base.
“Rishi Sunak never weaponized the gang rape and other vices in India; the country of his origin just so he would impressed the far right base.
“She is smart, intelligent and we are proud of her rise in the politics of the UK; but we are equally saddened by her terrible rhetoric against Nigeria.”
