Dabiri-Erewa Blasts Kemi Badenoch Over ‘False’ Citizenship Claims
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has criticised UK Conservative leader of Nigerian descent, Kemi Badenoch, for making what she described as false claims about Nigerian citizenship laws.
Badenoch, in an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, said she could not pass on her Nigerian citizenship to her children because she is a woman, comparing Britain’s immigration policies with those of Nigeria.
“It’s virtually impossible, for example, to get Nigerian citizenship. I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents. I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman,” Badenoch stated.
Reacting during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy on Friday, Dabiri-Erewa dismissed Badenoch’s statement as untrue.
“But that is not even true. And that is the problem I have. Don’t divulge false information. You go on international media and spew a lie. That is a lie. And I’m sure people have responded. So my problem with that is that it is not true. So why tell us something that is not true? That is the problem I have with that,” she said.
She further condemned Badenoch’s decision to make such claims on an international platform.
“When you denigrate your country, we’ll reply you. It’s not about me or the president or you. It’s about Nigeria. You can’t lie about your country then we keep quiet,” she added.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that while Badenoch’s comments were disappointing, attention should also be on the many Nigerians excelling abroad.
“You know the number of Nigerians we have in the UK in the political space that are doing very well. We don’t have to focus on one person,” she said, commending the positive contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora.
She reaffirmed that despite the challenges, NiDCOM remains committed to protecting and celebrating Nigerians overseas, insisting that diaspora engagement must be grounded in truth, responsibility, and patriotism.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
