₦airaland Forum

WriterX:
Why Kemi Badenoch’s Comments Are Not Just Misguided – They’re Deeply Unfair to Nigerians and Herself

By all accounts, Kemi Badenoch is a woman of remarkable accomplishments—an immigrant-turned-Conservative leader, a mother, a lawmaker, and a cabinet minister. But in her recent CNN interview with Fareed Zakaria, she delivered a deeply disheartening perspective—one that reflects not only a troubling misunderstanding of her roots but also a warped lens through which she views Nigerians and the broader immigrant experience.

Let’s begin with her claim that “It’s virtually impossible… to get Nigerian citizenship” and that “I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman.” This is simply false. Section 25(1)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution clearly states that any person born outside Nigeria is a citizen if either parent is Nigerian. Not “if the father is Nigerian,” but either parent—mother or father. So if Badenoch’s children don’t have Nigerian citizenship, it’s not because Nigeria denied them—it’s because she never applied for it on their behalf.

This factual inaccuracy is more than a technical error. It’s a reflection of a deeper discomfort Badenoch seems to have with her Nigerian identity—one she distances herself from publicly while simultaneously using it as a rhetorical tool when it suits her political objectives.

She contrasts Britain’s "generous" immigration system with Nigeria’s, suggesting that immigrants exploit the UK while their own countries are stricter and less tolerant. But this argument is problematic on multiple levels.

First, she benefits from the very system she now wants to restrict. She immigrated, rose through the ranks, and became a political force in a society that gave her opportunity. Her rise is proof that immigrants enrich societies—when given the chance. That she now seeks to close the door behind her, branding others as exploiters, is not principled—it’s hypocritical.

Second, her portrayal of Nigerians is laced with disdain and caricature. She says “Nigerians would not tolerate that” in response to the idea of cultural integration through “mini-Nigerias.” But who exactly does she speak for when she says that? Nigeria is a multicultural, pluralistic society of over 200 million people. Nigerians abroad form vibrant communities—yes, sometimes clustered—but largely industrious, law-abiding, and focused on building better futures. They are students, doctors, engineers, cleaners, writers, and shopkeepers—not a monolith of rule-breakers.

Worse, when she says, “There are many people who come to our country… who do things that would not be acceptable in their countries,” she reduces the immigrant experience to a stereotype: opportunists taking advantage of a system. This kind of rhetoric is popular in far-right circles, but it’s especially jarring coming from someone who has firsthand experience of migration.

What’s most unfortunate is not just that she misrepresents Nigerian law or fuels suspicion toward immigrants. It’s that she misses the opportunity to be a bridge between two worlds. She could be both proudly British and proudly Nigerian—many are. She could tell stories of Nigerians abroad sending remittances home, investing in education, building infrastructure, championing innovation, and excelling in foreign systems. She could acknowledge flaws in both countries’ systems, yes—but with empathy, not elitism.

Instead, Badenoch chooses to stand apart, wielding her Nigerian heritage like a political pawn—useful only when proving a point about how much better the UK supposedly is. But that’s not leadership; that’s performance.

Her children are already British. But they could also be Nigerian—if she wanted them to be. The Constitution allows it. So does the culture. So does the very sense of identity that countless dual citizens embrace daily without shame.

Rather than gatekeeping her achievements and distancing herself from her heritage, Kemi Badenoch could use her platform to educate, elevate, and inspire. She could be a model for integration without erasure—a Nigerian-Briton proud of both her roots and her chosen nation. But that would require humility. It would require honesty. And it would require a love for where she came from, not just where she ended up.

Until then, her vision of belonging remains narrow, defensive, and fundamentally unfair—to Nigerians, to immigrants, and perhaps, to herself.

I am really disappointed in her, Every immigrant who has risen to prominence has done far better in preserving, establishing and creating opportunities for their brothers and sisters out there, kemi at this point has lost my interest.

How I wish you could copy and paste this to Badenoch's Twitter page. Maybe it might help to diminish her relentless attacks on Nigeria cultural and national integrity.

Hemanwel:
Dem just write "WAG" in caps lock full everywhere without writing its meaning as if everyone knows the meaning of the word.

Rubbish!

WAG: Wife or Girlfriend of a popular sport personality.

2tpick:
God bless you for this. It's obvious that Nigeria is not a nation. We identify ourselves as either igbo, Hausa or Yoruba before identifying as Nigerians and the cracks are getting wider by the day. Yorubas have all it takes to stand on their own. They should use BAT'S 8 years in office to do something about that.

We Yorubas are not in hurry to leave the contraption, not when the pepper is presently ripe in our hands. When the time is set, we will hand over our secession letter to you all, and no baga can stop us from going; and we say again, no baga.

franchasng:
Continue wasting your time Mr man.


Tell us the names of the person's occupying the below positions in Nigeria currently:


1.) Chief of Army Staff (Gen. Olufemi Oluyede)
2.) CBN Governor (Mr. Olayemi Cardoso)
3.) Minister of Finance (Mr Wale Edun)
4.) Customs Comptroller (Adewale Adeniyi)
5.) Inspector General of Police (Kayode Egbetokun)
6.) Chief Justice of Nigeria (Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun)
7.) DSS DG (Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi)
8.) GMD NNPC (Engr Bayo Ojulari)
9.) FIRS Boss (Adelabu Adedeji)
10.) Minister of Interior (Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo)
11.) NPC DG
12.) Minister of Justice & Attorney General (Lateef Fagbemi)
13.) NAFDAC DG (Mojisola Adeyeye)

If you check the names of all the people occupying the above political positions in Nigeria currently, 99% if not all of them are Yorubas.


Let me stop here for now.


Now giive us the names of these people and then give us their names under:


Buhari's regime and under Goodluck Jonathan's regime let's compare and contrast

Incomplete list.

Give us the complete list of every Tinubu's appointments, and let us judge if he has truly marginalised the other regions in respect of juicy positions.

Extracting only the Yorubas appointments smacks of unduly tarring Tinubu with an undeserving garish colour.

In truth, Peter Obi supporters hate him. They want him to fail with the vitriolic and toxic attacks they launch on any perceived opposition personality. It has made Obi unlovable to everyone but his Igbo supporters.

It has boomeranged against Obi in the SW, and it is also affecting him in the North already.

Come 2027, Obi is going to regret ever venturing into Nigerian politics, while his supporters will continue to raise their stale and fake allegations of rigging.

Money, money, money for vote buying from the primaries to the actual elections is the major instrument of electoral rigging in Nigeria.

All other instruments are secondary.

Image123:
University of Ife was renamed, it's nothing new and the point is moot.

It was an honour to rename Unife then to OAU at Awolowo's death, because it was him who found the university.

I recollect, because I was studying in the school then when it was renamed, that a section of the school populace rose up to resist the move, but majority of us supported the renaming because we all love Awolowo in the west.

StoryHaven:
Stop speaking bad English. Stop disgracing my tribe.
Behave themselves abroad the "in" is not necessary.

For your info. I am from Osun State. A Prince of a town there.

We reject you in Osun State.

We don't harbour drug barons and lovers in our state. We detest them.

Therefore stop denying your origin, take pride in it, unless you are ashamed of claiming it because of their drug pushing inclination.

Game as good as won by Nigeria in the first half.

More goals expected in the 2nd half.

3rd goal by Ihezuo.

tragergeorge:
the luxury tax they putting in Thier so called xpensive drinks shey Na our daddy de help pay am..
custom duties and the rest on the drinks
driving an economy you thinking Na those tax wen you think
major numbers of most delivery companies Na guy men get am
most clubs and hotels are own by them
fuels stations, fast food

I hear you.

Na yahoo boys get Dangote, Glo, UBA, FBN, Neimeth, Nestle and Hilton and Sheraton. Or DHL and NIPOST and Total, Mobil wey dey generate good tax and employment opportunities for Nigeria.

Keep on deceiving yaself.

Wickedfact:
See him face.

What is it with Owerri people and putting koko on people's faces?

Na so them do Ajaero that year.
That was the last time he caused trouble.

"Na so them do Ajaero that year.
That was the last time he caused trouble"

Whaaaat!

Whazamatawizu bad boy?

Respect elders!

tragergeorge:
e no go beta for this girl really

na armed robber you goo end up dating
Na illitrate and English be the problem Abi
if you into any legit business and you doing well
Na yahoo you de do indirectly
with our current economy Anyone Livin comfortable from a legit business is getting massive patronage from yahoo boys...
and make anybody no come quote me begin talk of online Kini..blah blah
even data sef na only yahoo boys fit de afforrd am well
one month subscription Na. minimum wage

any better productive online paying shit Na Yahoo boys de get am clear
contents oo..all Na former / newly yahoo boys

A yahoo boy spotted.

Coming out with his full chest, claiming that the economy is only moving because of yahoo boys. Forgetting that no yahoo boy pay taxes, or invest in the NSE, or through the NGX. But only invest in oloshos and expensive alcoholic drinks.

Oga, change your ways.

Antoeni:
“In 2024, 2.2 Million Nigerians were Abducted and 615,000 were K!lled under Tinubu.”

——— Nasir El-Rufai

And who is the instigator of the:

"2.2 Million Nigerians that were Abducted and 615,000 that were K!lled"

Some says:

—— Nasir El-Rufai

Jaw-dropping tales from Nigerians living around cemeteries.

By Maria Famakinwa

A man who preferred anonymity for personal reasons, moved to his house in Igbara-Oke, Ondo State, over 30 years ago, he never envisaged to live close to a cemetery as there was no sign of such around the area when he erected the building, until a few years later when he observed that there was a cemetery.

His words, “I am a farmer here and I built my house over 30 years ago, as at when I moved to my house, I didn’t observe any cemetery around, except for two graves covered with bushes; until a few years ago when people started burying their dead relatives there. Though I trained my four children here, none of them is happy living close to the cemetery. Since two of them got married, the other two had relocated to live with their married siblings. Even when they come visiting, they hardly spend three hours before they leave because they always complain of psychological and emotional torment while they are still with me.”

Asked if any of the family members had experienced scary tales living around a cemetery, the septuagenarian said, “My only daughter was the first to encounter such about eight years ago, when her mother sent her to fetch water from the well at the back of the house around 7.30 pm. Not quite long, she ran back into the house, slammed the door shut and started shivering. We asked her what the matter was and about the bucket she took to fetch water as she came in without it. She was in shock and she just pointed, but could not say anything. After about 15 minutes, when she was a bit calm, she opened up that while fetching the water, a woman approached her with a plastic bottle and begged her to fill the bottle for her which she did, the woman thanked her and was going, but when my daughter looked back, she could not see the woman again.

“We would have thought that she was lying, but we heard when the woman thanked her for filling her plastic bottle for her. None of us could go out that night again to take the bucket she left by the well. We were all afraid, even me.

“Since then, a cloud of fear overwhelmed my daughter who barely waited to write her last WAEC paper before she left to stay with her aunt in Ekiti State where she was until she gained admission, finished her university education, and got married. She begged me to relocate to another area but I cannot because I had a farm in the area and I am used to the environment.”

In the days of our fore-fathers, cemeteries were far away in the bush and people would not dare move close to the area. Unless they had a corpse to bury. One would tremble if one had to walk past a cemetery because it was believed that those who live around cemeteries have diabolical powers that make them see beyond the ordinary. However, the same cannot be said now when people live beside cemeteries due to accommodation problems as a result of the growing population. Others who live close to cemeteries relay their fearful encounters.

A trader, Mrs Ayo Omolagba, who has spent nine years along Igbatoro road, close to a cemetery, started by saying that a light-hearted fellow cannot live in the area as one should be ready to encounter strange people. The woman, who disclosed that she was constantly disturbed seeing the burial site added that she decided to move to her building to save the cost of paying a huge rent.

She said, “I made up my mind to move to my building to avoid the killing cost of house rent. Though, my children are not happy because of the cemetery that is close to us but we had no choice. Waking up in the morning to see a cemetery does not go down well with me, but I encourage myself after seeing other people and buildings around until I had a scary experience which is now recurring.

“Three years after I moved in, it was on a Saturday afternoon, we sat in the sitting room, opened the door for fresh air because the weather was hot then. There was no breeze. All of a sudden, something forcefully slammed the door shut while the windows remained open. I would not have believed it if I was not at home that day. We were scared that we could not go close to the door until a neighbour who had called me earlier that she would be coming to visit me came. When she knocked at the door after 30 minutes of our scary experience, none of us could answer her; she then called my phone to tell me that she was at the door.

“When I opened the door and explained what happened to her, she only replied that it was a usual experience for people living around the cemeteries and advised me to be careful and be sure of anyone knocking before opening the door, especially at nights because some people in the area had heard knocks on their doors at night only to open the door and see nobody. My friend’s revelation heightened my fear that my children and I had to pass the night in her place.

“To be candid, it is not easy living close to the cemetery. Sometimes you hear some strange sound and voices, but you don’t know whether it is your imagination or they are real. My children always complain that the trauma of seeing a wrapped body or casket for burial almost daily could be tormenting, because such fear forms part of their dreams and thoughts when they are asleep. I don’t like people coming to visit me in this area. At times, unexplainable wind would start blowing that people would be forced to run inside due to the belief that ghosts must be at work. So many things to fear about. I pray things work according to my plan, I will get an apartment outside and give out my building for rent because my children are being traumatized.”

A salary earner, Mr Joe Ajiboye, who lived beside a cemetery in Osun State before he relocated to Ondo State, said that he saw the cemetery before paying for the apartment thinking that he would be able to cope since the house rent was cheaper than others.

His words, “I lived beside a cemetery in Osun State because the house was cheaper and better than others. It was two weeks after moving into the house that I discovered we were just two tenants in the six rooms face-to-face apartment excluding the landlord. I began to wonder why the other rooms were not occupied, despite being affordable in a peaceful environment.

“The third week of my moving into the house, I met the other tenant who was also not married like me. He was an okada man and offered to carry me to the junction where I could take a cab. As we were going, the okada man asked if I was related to the landlord, but I said no, that I only took the room and paid for the house because it was cheaper than others. It was then that the man told me that he had got another house and would be moving out soon. I asked why? And he replied that he could not stand the fear of living with the dead anymore; that it had taken a toll on his health.Buy vitamins and supplements

“It was then that the man warned me not to stay late outside and that I should try and get home before 7pm or find somewhere to sleep. He advised that I should also be closing the door always if I don’t want strange visitors. I should not greet or shake anybody’s hand, I should not call somebody’s name at night, I should not leave my clothes hanging on a rope, so that it won’t look like a ghost hanging on a tree. The man concluded by revealing to me that the landlord deliberately reduced the house rent to get tenants because those who mistakenly find themselves in the area packed out before the expiration of their tenancy due to different scary experiences.

“The tenant moved out a week after revealing the secret to me. I was gripped with fear and blamed myself for paying for the house. But I summoned the courage to move on until I had my scary tales. First, I heard the sound of movement around 1.30 am, because I now hardly slept since the man told me of the happenings in the area. Later, the sound changed to a strange voice. I was frozen in bed and praying silently. After some minutes, the voice changed to someone crying and continued till 3.30 am. I froze in bed, muttering incoherent prayers till the day broke. When the morning finally came, I went to ask the landlord about it but he denied hearing any strange movement or voice, whereas, others around the area confirmed it. I never slept in the house again till I moved out after four months, which remained just two months to renew my tenancy. I remember that terrible experience anytime I see any cemetery.”

Weekend Hope spoke with a psychologist, Mrs Olukemi Olanireti, on the authenticity of seeing ghosts near cemeteries, but she played down such occurrences attributing it to a myth. “There is no difference between living near the cemetery and living elsewhere. It is just people’s mindset which is being influenced by some cultures and beliefs. A dead person is gone and so be it. People should understand that cemeteries are passing messages to us that one day, the ground we walk on will be our roof, rather than attributing it to unfounded myths. The cemetery defines the reality of life, which is simply vanity and not a place of fear. It is where everyone will still go when the time comes.”

A medical practitioner, Dr Jones Olaiya, explained that living near cemeteries can pose health risks due to potential groundwater contamination from decomposing bodies and the presence of pathogens and other harmful substances. He highlighted concerns about the spread of waterborne diseases and the psychological impact of living near burial grounds.Buy vitamins and supplements

He said, “Decomposing bodies release bacteria, viruses and chemical byproducts that can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater sources. This can lead to waterborne diseases like diarrhea, typhoid and cholera, especially in areas where groundwater is used for drinking.

“Cemeteries can be reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can spread through contaminated water and soil. Decomposition of human remains, coffins and embalming fluids can release harmful chemicals and heavy metals into the environment, impacting soil and water quality. There is need for proper cemeteries management such as proper drainage, soil testing and waste disposal. They are crucial to minimize environmental and health risks.”

https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/jaw-dropping-tales-from-nigerians-living-around-cemeteries/

Irony1:
You people are too desperate to decive people. The coalition is the biggest threat to APC.

But who are the people? The rulers of the people, and the opinion moulders of the people are telling you that it is impossible for your candidates to win. And you are still waiting for the people to talk, forgetting that the people only do what their leaders tell them to do.

You will wait tire.

Next is Yahaya Bello's case.

Waiting for dismissal for him to continue enjoying his loots.

We, the hapless masses, have entered one chance vehicle with this our heartless polithiefcians.

Smartcitizen:
You never saw Peter Obi singing Abacha's praises during that time, so you are saying what you are saying on HEAR SAY!

Why don't you talk about Daniel Kanu who was always disturbing everybody on the media like most of you are doing today.


🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Wetin do Daniel Kanu? He is still enjoying himself, and planning to become your state governor in Imo anytime soon.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

The mention of Daniel Kanu will make the ear to tingle, especially those who followed political activities during the era of late Head of state, General Sani Abacha. He organised the largest gathering of youths in the history of Nigeria under the aegis “Youths Earnestly Ask for Abacha” (YEAA) which had over two million youths as members.

In this interview, the Imo State born politician, entrepreneur and philanthropist debunked insinuation that he went under after his fruitless attempt to actualise Abacha’s presidency, noting that Imo State deserves a better leader and that he is that better leader the state needs in 2019.

Smartcitizen:
Let me tell you what will happen to you,

You will live a miserable life as long as you keep getting money to support bad leaders in Nigeria.

I know what I'm saying because all those who supported Abacha few years ago, how good is their life now?

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

All those that were supporting Abacha in his time as a brutal Head of State, they are all enjoying now. Ask Obi, ask Bagudu, they will tell you the truth.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

jubrilELsudan:
NA SO SEYI TINUBU GO BURY HIM PAPA TOO WHEN HIM TIME REACH

..

Na so you too will bury your papa when him time reach. And na so your children will bury you too when your time reach.

Abi no be so?

Creamypie:
Is buhabubu now in heaven? Just asking. Religions say if person die, na heaven straight

With this your hate-filled life, will you also go to heaven when your soul finally departs from earth?

Think deep, and make that life changing decision that will turn your hate to love.

Remember tomorrow is not promised anyone.

CharlotteFlair:
Yes! The real buhari died in 2018.

What do you want to do about it?

Go to Daura today, and tell Buhari kinsmen that they are burying your Jubril, and not Buhari, then wait to hear their answer.

Ezzymadu:
Since you have been handled the country where have you lead us to

The ones your brothers are handling in your Eastern region as governors since independence, what has happened there, only tales of woe.

So why should we handle the whole nation to one of yours now?

Convince him to visit MFM Prayer City in Lagos. They have a very effective and free drug rehabilitation centre there that have helped a lot of drug addicts to overcome their addiction.

You will be glad you did.

obembet:
This must be AI

E shock u?

No be Tems of Nigeria dey sing at half time?

Nigeria to the world once again.

akpumping7720:
Underate Chelsea in finals at your own peril. Better switch to boxing. You go know say if your ticket cut, the person wey make am cut sef don chop better beating be that.😂😂😂

So e go be do me, dey yank ya face.

akpumping7720:
Underate Chelsea in finals at your own peril. Better switch to boxing. You go know say if your ticket cut, the person wey make am cut sef don chop better beating be that.😂😂😂

So e go be do me, dey yank ya face.

Chelsea o!

Chelsea o!

Chelsea o!

Na super club una dey. Una no dey disappoint una fans at great moments.

1STCREATURE:
Where is Seun 40 words

Relaxed.

Seun na secret Chelsea fan.