The Coalition of United Political Parties has backed Kemi Badenoch’s remarks on developments in Nigeria.
Its National Secretary, Chief Ameh Peter, in a statement on Sunday, noted that the British politician’s description of Nigeria reflects the daily struggles citizens face.
CUPP argued that Badenoch’s assertion, though difficult to hear, underscored the urgent need for change in the country. It maintained that the comments highlight the “pervasive corruption and misguided policies that have plagued Nigeria, leading to widespread poverty and a lack of opportunities.”
Meanwhile, Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo (popularly known as Sunday Igboho), yesterday, urged President Bola Tinubu to caution his deputy, Kashim Shettima, over what he termed “unwarranted attacks on the leader of the British Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch.”
Shettima had reportedly chided the Nigerian-British parliamentarian for making some “scathing comments on corruption in Nigeria”, as well as proclaiming her indigenous Yoruba identity, and alleged refusal to identify with Northern Nigeria.
In a statement, Igboho stated: “It is incumbent for President Bola Tinubu, who is also from Yoruba ethnic nationality and lineage, to direct Shettima to face his duties as Vice President, rather than dissipate energy or engage in verbal war against Badenoch, who merely expressed her candid, but true opinion on the pervasive corruption in Nigeria’s system.”
“When Muhammadu Buhari was president, no one dared launch verbal attacks against his Fulani ethnic group without facing severe consequences, often through state machinery or worse.
Under Buhari’s administration, I faced persecution for advocating against the destruction of farmlands, the killing of farmers, and the rampant sexual violations of women by Fulani herdsmen.
On July 1, 2021, security agents, acting on Buhari’s orders, raided my residence, killing two individuals and arresting 13 others.”
Igboho also criticised the current administration for failing to address the suffering of Nigerians, who are grappling with economic hardship, widespread poverty, and insecurity.
“Instead of implementing measures to alleviate the suffering of the masses and tackling the nation’s challenges head-on, Vice President Kashim Shettima is preoccupied with attacking Badenoch,” he said.
“When did it become a crime for someone to express their opinion about how corruption has stalled Nigeria’s growth or to assert their Yoruba identity? The Vice President should focus on his duties and stop wasting time on unnecessary verbal assaults against Kemi Badenoch.”
Igboho concluded by imploring Tinubu to bring Shettima to order and ensure he concentrates on addressing the country’s pressing issues instead of engaging in unproductive disputes.
