Leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch has sparked controversy with her recent comments about Nigeria.
Born Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke, Badenoch changed her last name after marrying a Scottish banker.
In an interview, Badenoch shared her negative experiences with the Nigerian police, claiming they stole her brother’s wrist watch and shoe.
She described Nigeria as a “very poor country” where people do desperate things, and giving them guns only leads to intimidation.
Badenoch contrasted her experience with the Nigerian police to her positive encounter with the British police when she was burgled in 2004.
Her comments have been perceived as disparaging towards Nigeria, and many are criticizing her for speaking negatively about her country of origin.
Cyber Reporters notes that Badenoch has been open about her complex relationship with Nigeria, having spent part of her childhood in Lagos.
Despite this, her recent comments have sparked outrage, with many accusing her of perpetuating negative stereotypes about Nigeria.
She said, “My experience with the Nigerian police was very negative. However, my experience with the British Police was very positive when I came to the UK.
“The police in Nigeria will rob us. When people say I have this bad experience with the police because I’m black, I say well… I remember the police stole my brother’s shoe and his watch.
“It’s a very poor country. People do all sorts of things. So, giving people a gun is just a licence to intimidate. But that’s not just the problem.
“That is not the bar we should use for the British police. When I was burgled, for example, the police were there. They were helpful before they eventually caught the person. This was in 2004… that was 20 years ago.”
