Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, has said that she identifies as Yoruba rather than Nigerian, explaining that she feels little connection to people from northern Nigeria, a region associated with Islamism and Boko Haram.
“I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity [Yoruba],” the politician told British outlet The Spectator in an interview.
“I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram where Islamism is,” she added.
Ms. Badenoch has faced consistent criticism from many Nigerians, including public figures, in recent months for her frequent condemnation of the country’s rampant corruption and unstable security situation, particularly when discussing Nigeria in the British media.
Many viewed Ms. Badenoch’s remarks about Nigeria as disparaging.
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Shettima, who hails from Borno, the heartland of Boko Haram insurgency, has publicly rebuked her.
Mr. Shettima recently suggested that if Ms. Badenoch no longer wishes to be associated with Nigeria, she should consider changing her name, emphasizing her disapproval of her stance on the nation.
Despite the backlash, Ms. Badenoch has doubled down on her criticisms, asserting that her true identity is Yoruba and refusing to identify with the northern Nigerians, whom she described as “ethnic enemies,” rejecting the label of being Nigerian.
Ms Badenoch added, “Somebody once told me when I was very young that my surname was a name for people who were warriors. They protected the crown, and that’s what I see myself as doing.”
The British politician added, “I am here to protect and I will die protecting this country because I know what’s out there.”
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