₦airaland Forum

On Kemi Badenoch’s gratuitous insolence, by Iliyasu Gadu

https://21stcenturychronicle.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/licensed-image-750x500.jpeg

Mrs Olukemi Badenoch (nee Adegoke) the British politician of Nigerian descent andleader of His Majesty’s opposition, the Conservative party of Britain or the Tories as they are more commonly called has an attitude problem.

From her statements and actions she comes through as someone battling with internal demons leading to a crisis of identity, inferiority, cultural orientation, knowledge and education, and above all manners and etiquette.

When she was in the fringes of the Tory party which she now leads, very few knew o rparticularly cared less about her and her views. But following her election as leader of the Tories in the aftermath of the crushing defeat it suffered in the last general election in Britain, Badenoch suddenly came to public attention and with that her profile began to manifest.

Since becoming leader of the opposition Tories, Mrs Badenoch’s political statements and conduct have marked her out as an impulsive person with a propensity to speak before weighing what she has to say.

On her first Prime Minister’s Question (PMQ) time in the House of Commons, she made what amounted to a faux pas by claiming that the ruling Labour Party made no provisions for the Ministry of Defence in the budget. For this foot-in-the-mouth indiscretion she was absolutely mauled by Prime Minister Keir Starmer who provided figures to prove convincingly that that was not the case to the obvious embarrassment Tory party grandees. On yet another PMQ she again sought to condemn the government for not making provisions for British agriculture. Again Badenoch was shamed when the Prime Minister debunked her claims with facts and figures.

But it is on the subject matter of Nigeria that Mrs Badenoch’s erratic nature comes clear. On this score Badenoch has serially demonstrated a disgraceful level of uncouthness and unbelievable lack of manners and etiquette unbecoming of the daughter of a prominent Nigerian and the office she presently occupies in Britain.

When Hon. Abike Dabiri, a prominent Nigerian personality and CEO of the Diaspora Commission politely wrote to congratulate Badenoch on her election as Tory leader, she wrote back in a silly and contemptuousmanner saying rudely she had no time for Nigeria. On another occasion she denigrated Nigeria the land of her forebears by saying that she was glad to have escaped childhood in a land where she witnessed the horrors of daily living where ‘’lizards flowed from water pumps’’.

Just of recent following her constant diatribes against Nigeria, an exasperated Vice President Kashim Shettima asked her to consider dropping the very Yoruba-Nigerian name of Olukemi if what she could only think and say of the country are negative things. And her caustic reply was that she was not contemplating doing a Public Relations job for Nigeria and that the country was full of thieving and corrupt leaders. The unkindest cut of all was her statement that she did not share any link with the northern part of Nigeria where the VP came from which was a haven for ‘’Boko Haram terrorists’’. She said she could recognise and identify only with the Yoruba ethnic group which she originated from among the multitude of the ethnic groups that form part of the country. For somebody who is a beneficiary of the multicultural outlook of a country like Britain which she hopes to lead in the future such in-your-face provincialism is ironic and beggars belief.

I think Mrs Badenoch should be told in clear and unmistakeable terms that her slagging of Nigerians and Nigeria will not be further tolerated. She had made her choice willingly to take up British citizenship where she was born and so she must stick to doing what the Conservative Party of Britain elected her to dofor her fellow British compatriots. She has no legal and moral entitlement to magisterially comment on issues on Nigeria since she is nota citizen of the country. Yes a lot of what she says about Nigeria is true but having turned tail from the land of her parents, she should leave it to Nigerians who have decided the brave the odds she spoke about to fight for a better Nigeria of which Britain whose citizenship she waves at our face is vicariously culprit in bringing about. Her strident condemnation of Nigeria and Nigerians smacks of a gratuitous and condescending busy body involvement in a matter that she has no truck about.

And going further having decided without being solicited to get involved in the subject of Nigeria of which she has clearly demonstrated a lack of depth and which is not her brief as Tory party leader, it behoves to lay bare to the public and correct the gaps she present on her silly statements about the country.

Badenoch claims with an air of exaggerated pride and confidence about her Yorubaness. But a true Yoruba ‘’Omuluabi’’ will not by any stretch of the imagination disrespect her elders as she has done to Hon. Abike Dabiri or for that matter the VP of Nigeria KashimShettima. Respect to elders is a key pillar on which Yoruba culture and tradition is built and for Badenoch to show such disrespect to Hon. Dabiri and Shettima clearly knocks off her claim of Yorubaness. Indeed I cannot think of any white Briton who will treat Nigerian leaders with such condescension. It also smacks of inferiority complex on her path to caustically denigrate the congratulatory message she received from Nigeria while fawningly lapping up similar messages from such leaders as Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. By her abrasive utterances she had sought to bring undue opprobrium to the highly venerated Yoruba race who place great value in reverence to elders. I know of Yoruba persons who have graduated with distinction from Oxbridge institutions in Britain and Ivy league universities in America who had acquired citizenships and are doing very well in their professions, who had gone full stretch ‘’dobale’’ in designer wears to greet elders back home here.

With all these unforced public errors of Mrs Badenoch, I pity the firm or persons whohandle her Public image brief. And if Badenoch herself carries such a public relations baggage, it will amount to over stretching her importance and relevance to expect that a country like Nigeria would engage for PR purposes.

The Conservative Party of Britain should begin to assess whether it is worth having such an erratic personality continue as its leader. People like former Premier of Britain Sir John Major who once worked in Jos, Nigeria and many others like him in Britain who still retain fond memories of Nigeria would certainlycringe anytime Badenoch engages in slanging the country. If she continues in this trajectory, at some point as happened to late Premier Margaret Thatcher (who incidentally is Badenoch’s hero), some ‘’men in grey suits’’ would come to have a quiet word with her and politely but firmly remind her that bad mouthing Nigeria is not part of the brief of getting the Tories back to No 10 Downing street. If she fails to heed the admonition, they will trigger a leadership challenge that will sweep her out of the leadership of the party as happened to her idol Thatcher.

Years back some of us who had opportunities on a platter to acquire foreign citizenship spurned it and elected to come back home to mother Nigeria and slug it out. Kemi Badenoch who was partly raised in Nigeria but elected to ‘’japa’’ to Britain should not use Nigeria to ‘’catch cruise’’ in order to seek validation from her ‘’oyinbo’’ constituents. She should work for them and leave us alone. Her unsolicited statements on Nigeria amount to gratuitous insolence and we are not impressed.

Quintessence44:
Excellent article.

If Britain wishes to break off trade relations with Nigeria and Africa, then they can go ahead and make Kemi Badmarket their Prime Minister.

Kemi Badenoch: Bridging Roots and Ambition

December 16, 2024

By Abidemi Adebamiwa

https://globalupfront.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KEMI-BADENOCH-POSE.jpg

Kemi Badenoch’s rise to become the leader of Britain’s Conservative Party is nothing short of remarkable. As a British-Nigerian politician, her achievements shine as a beacon of resilience and ambition. Yet, her sharp condemnation of Nigeria, the land of her heritage, has sparked debates that go beyond politics. What drives her to speak so bluntly about her roots? Is it frustration, a political strategy, or something deeper?

Badenoch’s journey reflects the extraordinary potential of Nigerians on the global stage. Figures like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, prove that Nigeria produces world-class leaders. Badenoch belongs to this elite group, but her story has a unique twist. Her comments about Nigeria’s corruption and dysfunctionality suggest she’s taken a different route—distancing herself from her heritage to rise in British politics.

Her criticisms of Nigeria, though valid in parts, may also be strategic. By emphasizing the flaws of her parents’ homeland, Badenoch appeals to British voters who often see African countries through a lens of dysfunction. Like Barack Obama, who had to publicly disassociate himself from Rev. Jeremiah Wright during his presidential campaign, Badenoch’s strategy may involve renouncing aspects of her identity to fit her political narrative.

Obama’s move was necessary to reassure Americans of his loyalty to their values. Similarly, Badenoch’s sharp words about Nigeria could be a way to assure her Conservative Party base that her Nigerian roots will not overshadow her British political priorities.

This tactic aligns with a historical pattern among leaders with immigrant backgrounds. In politics, perception is everything. For Obama, being tied to Rev. Wright’s controversial sermons threatened his presidential ambitions. For Badenoch, associating too closely with Nigeria’s image of political instability and corruption might pose similar risks. By condemning Nigeria, she seems to neutralize these perceptions and reframe herself as a no-nonsense, pragmatic leader.

But this approach comes with risks. Her comments evoke what some call the “double agent dilemma.” Just as intelligence agencies distrust operatives who betray one allegiance, voters may wonder: if Badenoch can turn so harshly on her heritage, how loyal can she truly be? British voters might admire her honesty but question her consistency.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian diaspora – a vibrant and influential community in the UK – may see her remarks as dismissive and unkind. Christopher J. Coyne’s research on diaspora politics highlights how these communities shape narratives, often becoming powerful allies or critics for leaders like Badenoch.

Her personal story adds another layer of complexity. Unlike many of her Conservative Party peers who attended elite institutions like Oxford or Cambridge, Badenoch studied at the University of Sussex and completed her legal training at Birkbeck, University of London. While her educational journey is admirable, it diverges from the traditional Conservative leadership pipeline.

Could this be why she speaks so boldly? Scholars like John T. Jost suggest that leaders who feel different from their peers often overcompensate. Badenoch’s sharp criticisms of Nigeria may be an attempt to project strength, confidence, and decisiveness in a political system where elite academic credentials often carry significant weight.

Her political style may also reflect a psychological phenomenon known as impostor syndrome. This condition, common among high achievers, involves persistent self-doubt and a fear of being exposed as inadequate. Badenoch’s condemnation of Nigeria might stem from an internalized need to prove herself—not just to her Conservative peers, but also to herself. By taking a tough stance, she creates an image of authority that helps close the perceived gap between her and her more traditionally privileged colleagues.

However, not everyone sees her approach as a mere political tactic. Some view her condemnation of Nigeria as a missed opportunity. Instead of focusing solely on the country’s flaws, Badenoch could use her platform to foster dialogue, collaboration, and solutions. Nigeria’s problems are real, but so is its potential.

Celebrating the resilience of Nigerians while advocating for systemic reforms could allow Badenoch to bridge her heritage with her political ambitions. This would not only strengthen her bond with the Nigerian diaspora but also enhance her credibility as a leader who inspires hope rather than deepens divides.

It’s worth considering how other leaders have navigated these challenges. Obama managed to balance his heritage with his American identity, carefully addressing doubts while uniting diverse constituencies. Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president of Hungarian descent, often downplayed his ancestry to align with nationalist sentiments. Badenoch’s approach, by contrast, risks alienating key groups—particularly the Nigerian diaspora, which values cultural pride and authenticity.

Her story raises critical questions: Does condemning her heritage help her political career, or does it undermine her connection to the very community that shaped her? Can a leader rise by disassociating from their roots without losing a part of themselves? These questions are not just about Badenoch—they reflect a broader challenge for leaders of immigrant backgrounds navigating identity in a globalized world.

What’s clear is that Badenoch’s path isn’t easy. Her story is one of ambition, resilience, and the pressures of politics. By distancing herself from Nigeria, she has created a narrative that resonates with certain audiences but alienates others. As someone who admires her achievements, I believe her condemnation of Nigeria reveals not just strategic thinking, but also a deeper struggle with self-perception and belonging.

To secure her legacy, Badenoch could shift from critique to advocacy. Instead of condemning Nigeria, she could highlight its potential while addressing its challenges with empathy and solutions. This approach would allow her to inspire both British voters and Nigerians, reinforcing her identity as a bridge-builder between two worlds.

Badenoch’s journey reflects the complexities of leadership in a multicultural world. Her story reminds us of the power of identity, the pressures of ambition, and the fine line between criticism and connection. If she can embrace her heritage while staying true to her political ideals, she may not only strengthen her legacy but also redefine what it means to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose.

Abidemi Adebamiwa writes from Pleasanton, California, USA

aribisala0:
Your mother is a dunce and dullard
She will die a painful death

Mindlog:
Iliyasu Gadu should redirect his effort in writing this dissertation on top Kemi's head to tackling his Northern leaders for the millions of out of school children littering Northern Nigeria, that has become easy recruitment pool for banditry and terrorism.....Kemi Badenoch is not his problem.

MaiDeribe:
Violations 2,3 and 7
nlfpmod
Please ban this guy for 3-4 years.
Everybody please keep reporting him.

aribisala0:
You think I give a shit?
What value is Nairaland to my life? Fu-ck you
You too will die like a dog?

MaiDeribe:
Neither is Nigeria Kemi's problem
UK has people robbing people's phones and wristwatches on scooters on the streets of London.
UK has the worst homelessness crises
UK has the NHS falling apart
UK has the worst children malnutrition crisis in modern history.
UK has inflation of food
Iliyasu Gadu did not wake up and make all that his problem
Why should Kemi with her full plate of problems ignore all of that and start attacking Nigeria and Nigerians ?

Mindlog:
But UK is where many Nigerian political leaders stash their stolen public funds, where many come over for their healthcare needs while not investing in quality healthcare facilitiesin Nigeria, their children attend high paying school fees and live large in the UK.

You can't compare the percentage of those sleeping rough in the UK to that of Nigeria.

Feeding is way cheaper in the UK when compared to Nigeria

aribisala0:
We support Kemi 100%
Any frustrated person who misyarns will not see 2025

Nigeria is embarrassing

aribisala0:
Wherewith your president go for treatment?

Shameless country

Mindlog:
But UK is where many Nigerian political leaders stash their stolen public funds...

Quintessence44:
So why hasn't Kemi BadLuck asked Britain to return the looted funds?

She can ask them to send 'alerts' to the accounts of ordinary Nigerians, ie BLESS ordinary Nigerians with mass electronic cash transfers.

The British hold literally TRILLIONS OF POUNDS made from Nigeria since the 1860s.

Is it because she knows they will KICK HER BLACK BUTT OUT for suggesting such an 'outrageous' thing?

Mindlog:
The fundamental question is: why are Nigeria's political leaders stealing from their own people and keeping it with strangers?

Quintessence44:
So why hasn't Kemi BadLuck asked Britain to return the looted funds?

She can ask them to send 'alerts' to the accounts of ordinary Nigerians, ie BLESS ordinary Nigerians with mass electronic cash transfers.

The British hold literally TRILLIONS OF POUNDS made from Nigeria since the 1860s.

Is it because she knows they will KICK HER BLACK BUTT OUT for suggesting such an 'outrageous' thing?

swaggerjack:
They have been stealing since 1960.

swaggerjack:
Agreed we support Kemi 100%. Docile cowardly men of all tribes have stood back and watched as the nation descended to be the poverty and corruption capital of the world.
Let the brave and powerful Yoruba women stand up for the country since the men have decided to hide behind their wives skirts.

Mindlog:
The fundamental question is: why are Nigeria's political leaders stealing from their own people and keeping it with strangers?

Quintessence44:
Excellent article.

If Britain wishes to break off trade relations with Nigeria and Africa, then they can go ahead and make Kemi Badmarket their Prime Minister.

Just last month their foreign minister David Lammy was in Nigeria looking for investment opportunities.

Indian, French, German presidents last month all visited Nigeria to talk business.

Britain after Brexit, needs trading partners like yesterday..

We'll see what happens.

MaiDeribe:
Why does the corrupt uk accept the stolen public funds ? If they are not conniving with the buyers of these properties, they would repatriate the monies and hospitals and schools will be built.
Kemi cannot take the moral high ground knowing fully well the UK is complicit with the financial crimes carried out in Nigeria.
Feeding is not cheaper in the UK, its "more affordable"....difference is if you buy bananas for 3 pounds in uk and buy 6000 naira banana in Nigeria, the one in Nigeria will be more (ie is cheaper). I hope you now know the difference

DaddyJapan:
Source: https://21stcenturychronicle.com/on-kemi-badenochs-gratuitous-insolence-by-iliyasu-gadu

Mindlog:
It is cheaper based on income!

I bought this attached imported Plaintain, all for £3 here in London....£3 is what someone on minimum wage (after deductions) earn in under 20mins....what I spend on feeding well here is way lower in percentage than I will in Nigeria with same Nigeria's minimum wage.

MaiDeribe:
How much is your rent ? Mine is 60 thousand Naira monthly 30 Pounds.

Mindlog:
How much is your savings every month after bills and all other expenses? Mine is seven figures in Naira.