President Bola Tinubu has remained silent amidst a heated dispute involving Vice President Kashim Shettima and UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who controversially referred to Nigeria’s northern region as synonymous with Boko Haram and Islamist extremism.
Shettima criticized Badenoch for making what he called disparaging remarks about Nigeria. However, Badenoch doubled down, defending her statements and refusing to apologize.
Badenoch, who was born in the UK but spent much of her upbringing in Nigeria, has often criticized the country’s political leadership. “I grew up in Nigeria and saw firsthand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, using public money as their private piggy banks and polluting the political atmosphere with a failure to serve others,” she stated.
She added, “I saw what socialism is for millions—poverty and broken dreams. I came to Britain to build a life where hard work and honest endeavor lead to success.”
In an interview with The Spectator, Badenoch further distanced herself from northern Nigeria, highlighting her Yoruba identity. “I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity [Yoruba],” she remarked.
Badenoch described northern Nigeria as a region plagued by challenges like Boko Haram insurgency and Islamist extremism. “Being Yoruba is my true identity, and I refuse to be lumped with northern people of Nigeria, who were our ethnic enemies, all in the name of being called a Nigerian,” she said.
Tinubu’s silence on the matter has raised questions about his stance, with critics suggesting that his lack of response might be interpreted as tacit approval, diplomatic restraint, or a strategic move to avoid further inflaming tensions. Others argue that his inaction risks undermining the office of the Vice President and could be seen as a missed opportunity to defend the unity of Nigeria amidst growing ethnic and regional divides.
