Fani-Kayode criticises Badenoch over remarks on Nigerian police

Former Nigerian aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode has criticised Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the British Conservative Party, after she made negative remarks about Nigerian police.

Badenoch, who was born in Nigeria and holds British citizenship, has repeatedly criticised the country and its public institutions. In a recent interview with a British journalist, she accused police officers in Nigeria of stealing, according to Daily Trust.

Fani-Kayode highlighted the apparent inconsistency in Badenoch's position. He pointed out that while she expressed distrust in Nigerian police, her own mother resides in Lagos, where she relies on local law enforcement for protection.

The exchange underscores ongoing tensions in how some members of the Nigerian diaspora, particularly those in prominent positions abroad, discuss conditions in their country of origin. Nigeria's police force has faced long-standing accusations of corruption and inefficiency from both citizens and observers.

Badenoch's comments reflect a broader pattern in which high-profile figures of Nigerian heritage have publicly distanced themselves from certain aspects of governance and security at home. Such statements often generate strong reactions within Nigeria, where many view them as unfair generalisations that overlook the complexities of institutional challenges.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, continues to grapple with security issues across several regions, though its police service operates under significant resource constraints and faces public scepticism. The country maintains close ties with the United Kingdom, including through diaspora communities and political figures like Badenoch.

Fani-Kayode's latest intervention adds to a series of public exchanges between the two. As a vocal commentator on Nigerian affairs, he has frequently defended national institutions against what he sees as unwarranted criticism from abroad.

Based on reporting by Daily Trust.