- Commenting on the reactions, Shaibu said that despite bearing the name Kemi, it does not automatically make Badenoch a Nigerian.
Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has responded to Vice President Kashim Shettima’s criticism of Kemi Badenoch.
Shettima had accused Badenoch of disparaging Nigeria after her election as UK Conservative Party leader.
However, Badenoch had previously spoken out against corruption in Nigeria, citing her own experiences growing up in the country.
In 2022, Badenoch, then a UK Prime Minister hopeful, accused Nigerian politicians of misusing public funds for personal gain.
She described her childhood in Nigeria as being marked by fear and insecurity due to corruption.
After her election as UK Conservative Party leader in November 2024, the Nigerian government attempted to reach out to her through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), but she declined.
Shaibu commented on the reactions, stating that having a Nigerian name like Kemi does not necessarily make someone a Nigerian.
He illustrated this point by noting that Arsenal footballer Gabriel Jesus is not the son of God.
Posting on X, Shaibu said Arsenal football club’s Gabriel Jesus is not the son of God.
He 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.”
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