Foreign Affairs -

Dons Eze
Foreign Affairs
December 28, 2024
38 views

FG DENIES ANY PLAN FOR FRENCH MILITARY BASE IN NIGERIA

FG DENIES ANY PLAN FOR FRENCH MILITARY BASE IN NIGERIA The Nigerian government has refuted allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of state in Niger Republic, claiming that Nigeria is collaborating with France to establish a military base in its northern region to monitor Niger, Chad, and other neighbouring countries.Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed the accusations as baseless and untrue.“Nigeria has never had any agenda to permit foreign countries to come into our territory and set up military bases,” Ribadu stated.Ribadu said the revelation made by Tiani came as a shock and surprise to them.He clarified that Nigeria remains committed to fostering peaceful relations with Niger and would not support or engage in any actions that could destabilize the region.In the five-minute interview, Ribadu reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to regional stability and cooperation.He urged for a focus on constructive dialogue rather than unfounded accusations.The claims by General Tiani come amid heightened security tensions, with accusations that France is planning to establish a terrorist operational centre in Gaba, a forested area in Sokoto State, Nigeria, following the recent coup in Niger.Nigeria has played a central role in efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to resolve the crisis peacefully.Ribadu said, “Nigeria has no issues with instability or unrest with our neighbouring countries. We coexist peacefully with Cameroon, Chad, and Benin Republic. How, then, can someone claim we are having problems with the Niger Republic?When asked about General Tiani’s allegation that France is financing the Nigerian government to establish a military base in the North for a potential invasion of Niger at will, Ribadu reiterated that such claims are unfounded and lack credibility.Ribadu said, “Where did this come from? How could anyone claim that Nigeria would allow a foreign country to establish a military base here to cause havoc or instability for the people of Niger?“Where would this happen? Nigeria has never had any agenda to permit foreign countries to come into our territory and set up military bases.”“The British, who colonised Nigeria, have never attempted to bring their military into the country to establish a base,” he added.“America has tried their best to establish a military base in Nigeria, but the Nigerian government declined their request. After our refusal, they went to Niger, and the Nigerien government accepted their proposal. However, the Nigerien government later realised their mistake and expelled them.”He continued, “France, on the other hand, ensures that they establish military bases in almost all the countries they colonised. But Nigeria has never agreed to such arrangements with them to establish a military base in our country.“We never agreed with them to launch anything, even for a day, let alone something that would disrupt peace or cause havoc in Niger. Where would this occur? However, we would never do such a thing.”“But now, if Niger’s military is fighting with France, they cannot force us to join their fight. Nigeria is not at war with any country, and we have never fought any country in the world. Nigeria will never engage in warfare, and we will never allow any external forces to disrupt the peace and harmony of neighbouring countries,” Ribadu said.Ribadu stated that the Niger junta leader mentioned some places in Nigeria, indicating a deep knowledge of the country.He named specific locations, and we are calling on journalists and residents of those communities to investigate for Allah’s sake.“Please verify if there are any foreign visitors in these areas, let alone connections to France,” he said.“We want to assure the people of Niger that the Nigerian government will never allow any harm to come to them.“We have been combating terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, IPOB, and militants in the…

Dons Eze
Foreign Affairs
December 27, 2024
140 views

TINUBU GOVT IS DESTABILIZING OUR COUNTRY – NIGER REPUBLIC LEADER CRIES

TINUBU GOVT IS DESTABILIZING OUR COUNTRY – NIGER REPUBLIC LEADER CRIES Nigerien military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani has raised fresh allegations against the Federal Government of Nigeria. But the Nigerian government has countered the claims, saying they were nothing but tissues of lies. The recent development has further strained the delicate relationship between Nigeria and its closest neighbour, Niger, and by extension, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Tchiani, in an interview with Radio-Télévision du Niger, the country’s state media, on Wednesday night, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of conniving with France to destabilise Niger Republic. But the Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the allegations as baseless. Earlier last Friday, the Nigerien authorities had alleged that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigeria’s, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024 in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic. But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had debunked the allegation and assured that Nigeria would continue to explore peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with Niger for the benefit of the people of both nations. Nigeria and other members of the ECOWAS had imposed sanctions on Niger and mulled a military action to restore constitutional order in the country following the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. New claims Tchiani, in his fresh allegations, some of them so grievous to be mentioned, said France promised to give Tinubu a certain amount of money in exchange for him ceding an area in Borno State for French military deployment. He said: “President Tinubu should come out and tell Nigerians how much he collected from France. If he refuses to do so, there will be a day of reckoning. Allah is watching. “ECOWAS has been out of control. It has merely become a puppet of the French authorities. France dictates to it as it pleases. This is because the leaders of ECOWAS countries are power-hungry people. “From the Nigerian president to those of Benin, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire — they all go to France whenever elections are around. They go and bow before Macron to ask for funds to contest again. Do you have the temerity to say no to the person who gave you money?” Tchiani also alleged that French military personnel were present on an island known as Kurnawa, as well as in places like Tangarwa and Dogon Chuku. “We repatriated two French officials who had relocated to Nigeria. They were warmly accepted by Nigeria. They provide training to terrorists,” he alleged in the widely circulated videos. He also alleged that France designated an area as ‘Canada’, recruited many Nigerians and enlisted them with the tacit knowledge of Nigerian authorities. Tchiani accused France of arming Boko Haram fighters in the Lake Chad region with anti-aircraft weapons in order to combat Chadian forces. He alleged that when France realised that Chadian forces were using airstrikes against Boko Haram, they armed the sect members with ground-to-air weapons so that they could bring down Chadian military aircrafts. “The weapons were delivered on October 16. France has a base in Lake Chad. The reports we gathered from high-profile terrorists in our detention facilities revealed a sinister plan. “And by the way, Nigerian authorities are not unaware of this underhanded move. It is near a forest close to Sokoto where they wanted to establish a terrorist stronghold known as Lakurawa.He also mentioned names of some high profile government officials, including those not government. Daily Trust could not reach out to them for their side of the story. The Nigerien leader said: “We explained the French’s sinister tactics to him (a former official of Nigerian government). He promised to send…

Dons Eze
Foreign Affairs
December 27, 2024
126 views

UK: THE MAKING OF A BLACK PRIME MINISTER FROM NIGERIA

UK: THE MAKING OF A BLACK PRIME MINISTER FROM NIGERIA The United Kingdom has yet to see a Black individual serve as Prime Minister, a milestone that would signify a profound shift in the nation’s political and social landscape. The election of a Black Prime Minister would be a testament to the UK’s progress toward inclusivity and representation, reflecting the diverse society it has become. Historical Context The UK’s political history has been predominantly shaped by white male leadership. While there have been significant milestones, such as Benjamin Disraeli, who was of Jewish descent, serving as Prime Minister in the 19th century, and Rishi Sunak, of Indian heritage, becoming the first person of colour to hold the office in 2022 The absence of a Black Prime Minister highlights ongoing challenges in achieving full representation. Significance of a Black Prime Minister The Guardian “The appointment of a Black Prime Minister would symbolize the breaking of racial barriers and the acknowledgment of the contributions of Black Britons to the nation’s fabric. “It would inspire future generations, demonstrating that leadership positions are attainable regardless of racial background. Recent Developments In November 2024, Kemi Badenoch became the first Black woman to lead a major British political party, the Conservative Party Reuters ,”This achievement marks a significant step toward greater diversity in UK politics and brings the nation closer to the possibility of a Black Prime Minister. Conclusion While the UK has made strides toward inclusivity, the appointment of a Black Prime Minister remains a long-awaited milestone. Such a development would not only honour the nation’s commitment to diversity but also pave the way for a more representative and equitable society. Kemi Badenoch’s Historic Leadership of the UK Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch, a right-wing politician with no time for ‘wokism,’ is the new leader of the British Conservatives

Dons Eze
Foreign Affairs
December 22, 2024
115 views

GRANT NIGERIA TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS, SPECIAL STUDENT RELIEF BEFORE TRUMP’S INAUGURATION – COALITION TO BIDEN

GRANT NIGERIA TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS, SPECIAL STUDENT RELIEF BEFORE TRUMP’S INAUGURATION – COALITION TO BIDEN A coalition of organizations advocating for immigration relief for Nigeria has called on President Joe Biden to designate Nigeria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Special Student Relief (SSR) before the administration’s term concludes. The organisations met in November with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. State Department, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and other federal agencies. The coalition, which includes the Nigerian Center, Nigerian American Lawyers Association, Amnesty International, and The ONE Campaign, urged the Biden administration to act on the request before President-elect Donald Trump resumes office. Trump will be sworn into office for the second time on January 20, 2025. During the engagement session, the lead of the TPS Coalition for Nigeria emphasized the urgency of the request. Gbenga Ogunjimi, Director of the Nigerian Center and lead of the TPS Coalition for Nigeria, said, “We urge the administration to grant Nigeria Special Student Relief (SSR) designation, or, if possible, Temporary Protected Status (TPS). “We request that the Biden administration extend these critical protections to Nigerian nationals and students in the U.S. before its term concludes. As the United States transitions to a new administration, we recommend prioritizing this request as a policy recommendation for the incoming administration, particularly given its stated commitment to favoring merit-based immigration. This approach is especially relevant for individuals with skills in demand in the U.S. economy.” Nigeria’s economy is currently navigating one of its most tumultuous periods, characterized by skyrocketing inflation and a sharply depreciating currency. The value of the Naira has plummeted, with the exchange rate now standing at N1,664 to the US dollar, compared to N360 per USD just five years ago in 2019. This drastic decline represents a staggering 362.2% devaluation, resulting in a significant erosion of purchasing power and posing severe challenges for the country’s economic stability. Nkechi Ilechie, Policy Director of the Nigerian Center and co-lead of the TPS Coalition for Nigeria., said, “This sharp decline has severely impacted families sending remittances to students in the U.S., rendering them unable to afford tuition, housing, and basic necessities. “These hardships are why, in April of this year, a coalition of over 50 immigrant rights, human rights, faith-based, and community organizations petitioned the Biden administration to designate Nigeria for Special Student Relief (SSR).”

Dons Eze
Foreign Affairs
December 20, 2024
62 views

KEMI BADENOCH AND THE NIGERIAN POLICE

KEMI BADENOCH AND THE NIGERIAN POLICE The police are a reflection of the Nigerian society, argues Joshua J. Omojuwa A casual observer was going to get away with thinking Kemi Badenoch had become the No. 1 hate figure for Nigerians on social media. Before the play that turned the tide, the leader of the UK’s Conservative Party was never going to truly occupy such a position amongst Nigerians considering the several other options back home. That said, it did look like there was a consensus on the Badenoch bashing by online users until she offered the audience their favourite hate figure; the Nigerian Police. What followed was stories on the many tragic experiences suffered by Nigerians in the hands of the police. Apart from those who have permanently been protected by their access to power, every Nigerian south of Abuja has a bad police story to tell. For several unlucky others, those stories resulted in the death of loved ones, their disappearance or even incarceration, for doing nothing other than being citizens of Nigeria living in Nigeria who happened to find themselves in the same space and time with the police. When it comes to this subject matter, the question is how do you fix it? Unfortunately, whilst there appears a consensus that policing is broken, we have stayed stuck on what to do to fix it for years now. Kemi Badenoch had been asked about the British Police. Because her ambition is solely focused on becoming the Prime Minister, she sidestepped the subject of the British Police and instead offered the interviewer the Nigerian Police. Gimba Kakanda said it best, “it was an unnecessary deviation that reveals her desperation to perform for the British public in her quest to shake off any allegiance to a nationality other than British. Interestingly, if I were in her shoes and asked to compare life in Abuja and London, my story would’ve been different. The first and only time I was ever robbed in over three decades of my existence was in London, on a busy street in central London. “When I reached out to the Metropolitan Police, I was directed to fill out an online form. Less than 24 hours later, they responded and said there was nothing they could do, even though CCTV cameras were all over the area and the robbers weren’t masked. You can’t even wear a decent watch and walk the streets of London without nursing the fear of being mugged. That should be Kemi’s concern if she aspires to lead the UK someday, because the excuse was that the police in the UK had no budget to chase muggers. Again, Kemi Badenoch’s account of the Nigerian police is valid. Many of us have had terrible encounters with them, no doubt, but that wasn’t what the interviewer asked her about. Her account also doesn’t negate the fact that there are outstanding police officers in Nigeria, individuals who defy mainstream stereotypes in their policing duties. They also deserve the benefit of our microphones”. This is not a black or white conversation, at least in my opinion. There are nuances and hard truths. Tough ones about Nigeria and its unwholesome realities. One cannot defend the Nigerian Police. It’d appear Kemi could not defend the British Police either. She’d have had to speak about the submission that it is racially biased for starters. For someone seeking to lead the country, that was a no-go area. Adebayo Amoo, British-Nigerian tech founder, brought it home for the UK politician when he posted to X that, “You represent Northwest Essex constituency as MP, most of the crimes committed in your constituency include violent and sexual offences – does that make every constituent of yours a violent/sexual crime…

Dons Eze
Foreign Affairs
December 19, 2024
92 views

KEMI BADENOCH WAS RIGHT, NIGERIAN POLICE STOLE MY PHONE IN 2019, BY ELIAS OZIKPU

KEMI BADENOCH WAS RIGHT: NIGERIAN POLICE STOLE MY PHONE IN 2019, BY ELIAS OZIKPU British politician Kemi Badenoch recently became a subject of fierce attacks by officials of the Nigerian government for continuing her criticism of Nigeria’s crumbled and utterly corrupt system.Part of what riled officials of the Nigerian government was her disclosure during her interview with The Free Press, when the Conservative Party leader said, ‘Nigeria is a very poor country’ where people do all sorts to survive. Kemi was right and wrong at the same time, depending on your perspective on this matter. Personally, my understanding is that Nigeria isn’t necessarily a poor country as she put it, but the pervasive poverty in the country is man-made—created and entrenched by political officeholders who have done nothing but privatise public wealth since independence in 1960. So, contrary to Kemi’s submission, Nigeria is a wealthy country, but that wealth appears to be the ‘birthright’ of the political class alone! Except you are a politician, you will never enjoy Nigeria’s immense wealth, nor will you enjoy the benefits of being a Nigerian citizen, if any exist. Even your fundamental human rights, which are inherent, are taken from you if you are not amongst the political class in Nigeria.The second remark that irked Nigerian officials was her submission that the Nigerian police once stole her brother’s wristwatch and shoes. It is not clear why this should get officials worked up, especially with daily reports of the infamous activities of some officers of our police force. Whilst I know absolutely nothing about the theft of the shoes and wristwatch belonging to Kemi’s brother, I can tell authoritatively that I have been a victim of the robbery of officers of the Nigerian Police. During the #RevolutionNow protest in Lagos, which took place on August 5, 2019, I was arbitrarily arrested, and my phone, an HTC Desire 10 Pro, was snatched from me by a police officer. The press captured him holding the phone whilst dragging me to get locked up in a waiting Black Maria. All the police officers present at the scene saw him snatch the phone, but none of them asked him to return it. Whilst I was being prepared for detention, the police did not record the phone as part of my belongings despite my insistence that they do so.Lawyer and human rights activist Inibehe Effiong took up the case at the time and petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, asking him to investigate the robbery of his officers and ensured my phone was recovered and returned to me. When we were invited in respect of the petition, the police told us that it was impossible for them to identify the officer who snatched my phone. They asked me to go and find out from the journalists who captured the officer holding the phone he had forcefully taken from me. That was how that case ended. They didn’t know their own officer, but they expected journalists to. Incredible!So, it is a curious thing to me that government officials should be infuriated because someone talked about the notorious activities of officers of the Nigeria Police. The truth will always remain what it is; it never changes nor dies. Nigeria will never get better with its officials deliberately working to conceal a stinking decay already known throughout the world, nor will the country get better by expecting impoverished citizens to do false PR in the face of the economic oppression they have been subjected to for approximately 70 years as an independent nation. Nigeria will only get better if political officeholders respect citizens and ensure that the nation’s wealth is justly and equally distributed in a way that puts a permanent end to the monopolisation…

Dons Eze
Foreign Affairs
December 16, 2024
50 views

NIGERIA CLEARS N85BN, $54M ECOWAS LEVY AFTER 19 YEARS

NIGERIA CLEARS N85BN $54M ECOWAS LEVY AFTER 19 YEARS Nigeria has made its first full payment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) levy in 19 years, contributing N85.54 billion and $54 million for 2023 and part of 2024. Omar Touray, president of the ECOWAS Commission, made the announcement during the 66th ordinary summit of ECOWAS in Abuja on Sunday. He called the payment “a vote of confidence” in the organisation and a demonstration of Nigeria’s leadership in West Africa. Touray also highlighted the importance of the payment, noting that it would support ECOWAS efforts in regional integration and development. The payment, made on December 13, 2024, marks a key moment in the relationship between Nigeria and ECOWAS. Nigeria had struggled to meet its financial obligations to the regional body in previous years, but this move reflects a renewed commitment to the organisation. At the summit, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is chairing the event, praised Nigeria’s role in the regional body. The summit also addressed other pressing issues, including the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS, following military coups in those countries. These nations have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), and leaders are now seeking ways to manage the situation diplomatically. The summit is also focused on discussions regarding the proposed single currency for West Africa, the ECO, and ways to enhance economic cooperation among member states.

Dons Eze
Foreign Affairs
December 15, 2024
108 views

HOW NIGERIA POLICE OFFICERS STOLE MY BROTHER’S SHOE – KEMI BADENOCH

HOW NIGERIA POLICE OFFICERS STOLE MY BROTHER’S SHOE – KEMI BADENOCH Leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has continued attacking Nigeria, claiming some policemen in the black most populous nation on earth stole her brother’s shoe. Born Kemi Adegoke, the politician, who changed her last name after marrying a Scottish banker, has been saying uncomplimentary things about Nigeria since her emergence as leader of UK’s main opposition party. In an interview with The Free Press, a US media outfit, Badenoch said officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) stole her brother’s watch and shoe. “My experience with the Nigerian police was very negative. However, my experience with the British Police was very positive when I came to the UK.” “The police in Nigeria will rob us. When people say I have this bad experience with the police because I’m black, I say well… I remember the police stole my brother’s shoe and his watch. “It’s a very poor country. People do all sorts of things. So, giving people a gun is just a licence to intimidate. But that’s not just the problem. “That is not the bar we should use for the British police. When I was burgled, for example, the police were there. They were helpful before they eventually caught the person. This was in 2004… that was 20 years ago.” Meanwhile, Nigerians have continued to dig into her past, including how her father who died in 2021 declared support for self-acclaimed Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho. Also among the things found was how she used her Nigerian heritage to climb the ladder in UK Politics. In a message to her Nigerian supporters while campaigning 14 years ago, Badenoch had said, “I need your help. I’m running for parliament in the 2010 UK general elections. The race is very tight. Last year, a survey was carried out in this constituency by the News of the World and the forecast was that I would win. This year, things are a lot tougher as the party has dropped nationally in the polls. I need your help. “In a recent BBC interview, a caller insulted me because I’m Yoruba. I was very disappointed that a Nigerian woman who claimed to have lived in London for 45 years had issues with me being Yoruba than with my political views and shamefully made her comments on national radio. “We really need to get out of this mindset where we are fighting one another and try and support each other instead. Regardless of party allegiance, a Nigerian in parliament winning purely on merit and not because of her relatives or by buying the election will be amazing.” She lamented that her generation had suffered enough from the mistakes of the past and it was time to retell the story. “So I am asking for your help now to support a Nigerian who is trying to improve our national image and do something great here.”

Dons Eze
Foreign Affairs
December 15, 2024
92 views

HOW KEMI BADENOCH USED NIGERIAN ROOTS TO BECOME BRITISH MP

HOW KEMI BADENOCH USED NIGERIAN ROOTS TO BECOME BRITISH MP British Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, who has been in the eye of the storm over controversial statements about Nigeria, once sought the help of people from the West African country to secure her parliamentary seat, Saturday PUNCH reports.Badenoch (nee Adegoke) had in 2010 sought the support of the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom in her bid to win a seat in the British parliament.A campaign document which has been making the rounds on social media showed that during her campaign for Dulwich and West Norwood, she reached out to Nigerians while highlighting her roots.She particularly pledged to uplift the image of the country through her position in the British political system.In a message to her Nigerian supporters, Badenoch said, “I need your help. I’m running for parliament in the 2010 UK general elections. The race is very tight. Last year, a survey was carried out in this constituency by the News of the World and the forecast was that I would win. This year, things are a lot tougher as the party has dropped nationally in the polls. I need your help.“In a recent BBC interview, a caller insulted me because I’m Yoruba. I was very disappointed that a Nigerian woman who claimed to have lived in London for 45 years had issues with me being Yoruba than with my political views and shamefully made her comments on national radio.“We really need to get out of this mindset where we are fighting one another and try and support each other instead. Regardless of party allegiance, a Nigerian in parliament winning purely on merit and not because of her relatives or by buying the election will be amazing.”She lamented that her generation had suffered enough from the mistakes of the past and it was time to retell the story.“So I am asking for your help now to support a Nigerian who is trying to improve our national image and do something great here,” she added.However, the UK-born Badenoch after winning the election, deployed her experiences in Nigeria, as a talking point to rally support for her policies.She has been accused of exploiting her roots for political gains.While in the race to succeed former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2022, Badenoch lambasted Nigerian politicians for polluting the environment with degradation.She said, “I grew up in Nigeria, and I saw firsthand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, when they use public money as their private piggy banks.”“I saw what socialism is for millions. I saw poverty and broken dreams. I came to Britain to make my way in a country where hard work and honest endeavour can take you anywhere.”Also, in one of the interviews she had with the British media, she said she did not want the UK to experience what made her flee Nigeria.“This is my country…I don’t want it to become like the place I ran away from. I want it to get better and better, not just for me, but for the next generation,” she said.Nigerians in the diaspora, including former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, accused Badenoch of using her Nigerian background when convenient and distancing herself when it suited her political ambitions.Omokri, on his X page, gave instances when the UK disowned Nigerians during their downtimes, but embraced them at their best.“Mrs Badenoch may want to acquaint herself with the case of former British star footballer, John Fashanu. When he was the darling of the football-loving Brits, he was called British, and he did not associate with Nigeria,” he said.Also, Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue, stated that she had the right to express her opinions but could not diminish the…

Dons Eze
Foreign Affairs
December 14, 2024
57 views

I’VE NOTHING IN COMMON WITH THE NORTH, I’M YORUBA – KEMI BADENOCH, UK CONSERVATIVE LEADER

I’VE NOTHING IN COMMON WITH THE NORTH, I’M YORUBA – KEMI BADENOCH, UK CONSERVATIVE LEADER Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, says she identifies more with the Yoruba ethnic group than Nigeria. Badenoch spoke in an interview with the Spectator published on Thursday. The politician’s remarks come amid a simmering identity row, following her previous criticisms of Nigeria’s governance terrain and society, which sparked backlash and reignited debates over her ties to the country. Born Olukemi Adegoke to Nigerian Yoruba parents in the UK, Badenoch’s last name changed after she married a Scottish banker. She returned to Nigeria, where she grew up, and finally departed for the UK when she turned 16. Infamous for her straight-talking style, Badenoch described Nigeria as a socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity. Vice-President Kashim Shettima criticised the former UK equalities minister for her depiction of Nigeria and urged her to change her first name if she no longer wants to identify with her homeland. Speaking to the Spectator, Badenoch said she has nothing in common with people from northern Nigeria — a region Shettima hails from. “I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity [Yoruba]. That’s what I really am,” she said. “I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram where the Islamism is, those were our ethnic enemies and yet you end up being lumped in with those people.” Badenoch said she is proud of her Yoruba ancestry which has given her a “very strong identity”. “Somebody once told me when I was very young that my surname was a name for people who were the warriors,” she added. “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’s spokesperson had clarified that the politician is not interested in laundering Nigeria’s image.