Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, has said she is not a spokesperson for Nigeria.
Her statement came after Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, criticized her for allegedly speaking negatively about Nigeria, her country of origin.
Speaking at an event in Abuja on Monday, VP Shettima accused Badenoch of disrespecting Nigeria. He suggested that if she wasn’t proud of her Nigerian roots, she could even stop using her Yoruba name, Kemi.
“She has the right to her opinions. She can even remove ‘Kemi’ from her name if she wants, but that does not change the fact that Nigeria is the greatest Black nation on earth,” Shettima said, receiving loud applause from the audience.
In response, Badenoch defended her position, saying she stands by her words and has no plans to change her opinion.
“I tell the truth. I say things as they are. I will not soften my words. I am the leader of the opposition here, and I am proud of my role. I am not Nigeria’s PR,” she said.
