VANGUARD
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, has expressed concerns about the potential impact of ineffective governance in the United Kingdom, drawing a comparison to Nigeria.
Badenoch made the remarks during her first speech of the year on Thursday at an event hosted by Onward, a British think tank focused on economic and social research.
Speaking on the importance of building trust and positioning the Conservative Party as the solution to Britain’s challenges, Badenoch warned of the risks of Britain’s system faltering, likening it to Nigeria’s governance issues.
“And why does this matter so much to me? It’s because I know what it is like to have something and then to lose it,” Badenoch told the audience.
“I don’t want Britain to lose what it has.
“I grew up in a poor country and watched my relatively wealthy family become poorer and poorer,
despite working harder and harder as their money disappeared with inflation.
“I came back to the UK aged 16 with my father’s last £100 in the hope of a better life.
“So I have lived with the consequences of terrible governments that destroy lives, and I never, ever want it to happen here.”
Badenoch’s remarks have reignited criticism in Nigeria, her country of origin, where her previous comments have often sparked controversy.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima recently rebuked Badenoch, accusing her of “constantly denigrating” Nigeria.
Before her election as leader of the Conservative Party, Badenoch had referred to Nigeria as a socialist country plagued by corrupt politicians and insecurity.
In a separate interview, she accused Nigerian police officers of robbing her and stealing her brother’s shoes.
She has also recounted personal struggles during her time in Nigeria, including walking long distances to fetch water despite coming from a relatively affluent family.
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN VANGUARD
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