The leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch has taken a swipe at Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, saying she has nothing to do with the country’s northern region.
The exchange between Badenoch and Shettima began when the latter criticised her for what he called “denigrating” Nigeria.
Reacting, Badenoch had through her spokesperson hinted that she stands by her comment on corrupt politicians in the country.
In yet another jab at Shettima, Badenoch told The Spectator that she is Yoruba and identifies less with Nigeria than with the ethnicity.
According to her, she has nothing in common with the northern part of the country known for the Boko Haram insurgency and Islamism.
“I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity [Yoruba].
“I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram where Islamism is.
“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 stated.
“Somebody once told me when I was very young that my surname was a name for people who were warriors. They protected the crown, and that’s what I see myself as doing.
“I am here to protect, and I will die protecting this country because I know what’s out there,” Badenoch added.