ABUJA, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — Phrank Shaibu, an aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticized Vice President Kashim Shettima for engaging in a public spat with UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, accusing him of neglecting pressing national issues.
Shaibu, in a post on X, wrote: “Those criticizing @KemiBadenoch should pause for a moment of introspection. The mere fact that her name is Kemi or that she has Yoruba roots does not automatically render her Nigerian. After all, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus @gabrieljesus9 is not the son of God. @officialSKSM should find something useful to do with his time.”
Badenoch has drawn criticism for her comments about Nigeria, describing her upbringing in the country as marked by fear and corruption. During the Conservative Party conference, she claimed these experiences shaped her political outlook and motivated her departure from Nigeria.
However, archival campaign materials from her 2010 bid for a seat in the British Parliament show Badenoch once courted the Nigerian community in the UK, pledging to uplift the country’s image through her position in British politics.
Vice President Shettima, speaking at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue on Monday, called out Badenoch for disparaging Nigeria, suggesting she might “remove the Kemi from her name” if she felt no pride in her heritage.
Badenoch, in turn, defended her statements, saying, “I am not a Public Relations representative for Nigeria.”
Shaibu’s remarks underscore tensions between Nigerian officials and Badenoch, whose critical comments have sparked debate about national identity and accountability.
“She has the right to her opinions,” Shettima said. “But no one should diminish the value of their nation of origin.”
