Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala has asserted that the ongoing remarks made by Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, regarding Nigeria will not have any impact on the nation.
Badenoch has intensified her criticism of Nigeria in her recent remarks. During her first speech of the year at an event hosted by Onward, a British think tank focused on economic and social research, the Nigerian-born politician expressed her desire for Britain to avoid the challenges plaguing Nigeria. She asserted that the Nigerian government has failed its citizens.
During a recent television appearance, Bwala addressed the remarks made by the leader of the UK Conservative Party, suggesting they were aimed at winning favor with her political base. “The core issue we encounter with Kemi is her rhetoric. She positions herself alongside the far-right factions in the United Kingdom, reflecting a larger global trend of populism. This tactic often aims to increase support by exploiting public anger. “It seems she is constructing a narrative that belittles Nigeria, fostering negative perceptions of the country in an effort to secure acceptance from the right-wing members of her party. I consider this strategy counterproductive. Take Rishi Sunak, for example; he also has Indian heritage. Despite the serious issue of gang rape in India, he has never used that situation to distance himself from the perceived shortcomings of his people’s history. In stark contrast, Kemi consistently disparages Nigeria.”
Bwala alleviated concerns regarding Badenoch’s comments about Nigeria, asserting that they would not hinder the country’s efforts to attract investors. He stated, “I don’t believe her remarks will have any impact because she is not part of the current government. Typically, international relationships and collaborations involve interactions between governments. Since she is not in power, her statements will not have any significant effect.”
“Furthermore, given her Nigerian background, investors will be wise enough to discern the substance of her statements, regardless of whether they stem from persuasive rhetoric,” he stated.
https://thenationdigest.com/2025/01/25/nigeria-unfazed-by-badenochs-remarks-says-daniel-bwala/
