Knocks, kudos trail Kemi Badenoch’s controversial remark on Nigerian police

…Debate intensifies as Nigerians weigh in on ex-British Minister’s comments

By Sodiq Adelakun

Mixed reactions have trailed controversial comments made by Kemi Badenoch, the British Conservative Party leader, regarding her negative experiences with the Nigerian police.

Speaking in a recent interview, Badenoch claimed that Nigerian police officers had robbed her family, describing her encounters as “very negative.”

She said,  ”I do. My experience with the police in Nigeria was very negative, and coming to the UK, my first experience with the police was very positive. The police in Nigeria would rob us.

“I remember the police stealing my brother’s shoes and his watch. It’s a very poor country, so people do all sorts of things.”

While some Nigerians on social media expressed support for her view, others criticised her remarks as an oversimplification of the country’s complex challenges, with many arguing that her statements fail to address the root causes of the systemic issues within the force.

Several Nigerians, particularly on X, formerly Twitter, voiced disagreement with Badenoch’s assertion that Nigeria is a “very poor country,” challenging her characterisation of the situation.

One user, @Signature_Notes, pointed out the broader historical and socio-political context, saying, “Even though @KemiBadenoch is stating the obvious, we ignore the fact that we are a product of colonialism then neocolonialism, so stating the symptoms without necessarily addressing the root cause is superficial. It’s a bit of a complex issue.”

In contrast, others echoed Badenoch’s frustrations with the police. @AdebayoONGod argued for the importance of transparency, saying, “If we want this country to change, then everyone has to say the truth about their experience of this without sugar-coating. As a Nigerian youth in this country, the police still extort us and steal from us till today, 2024. Tell your truth, Mrs. Kemi.”

Another user, @sparklngqueen, wrote that the accuracy of Badenoch’s comments, saying, “Nigeria is not a poor country, talk less of very poor. What she said about Nigeria police is 99% possible.”

On the other hand, @PaulMichae42402 dismissed Badenoch’s remarks, claiming her statements were politically motivated. “Just try and listen to all her interviews; you will know that nothing is in her head. Conservatives just put her there to be the face of their worst election loss and disgrace. She’s telling the world that Nigeria is a very poor country and people do a lot of things, and you are happy about it?”

In a more critical tone, @TaiwoTaiwo4967 warned that ignoring the brutality of the police force would be naive, saying, “You are all acting as if you are completely ignorant of our policemen’s brutal activities. Haven’t fallen victim yet doesn’t mean they are being unjustly portrayed badly. Our policemen are Satan’s henchmen. Wait for the day you will unfortunately be victims of their brutal acts.”

Supporters of Badenoch also took to social media, defending her right to share her personal experiences. @Olusholaspecia argued that the minister was merely reacting to her difficult encounters in Nigeria, saying, “Kemi is only reacting to her sad experiences in Nigeria. Nobody should blame her because there’s no smoke without fire.”

However, not all responses were favorable. Some users like @Momobeauty16 pointed out that crime is a global issue, saying, “I have relatives who’ve been robbed by whiteheads in London. We hear news of London stabbings over gang-related issues, but do we use that against them? Crime is everywhere.”

The conversation continued to heat up, with @IamObd offering a perspective on the socio-economic struggles many Nigerians face. “Somebody, somewhere, who Nigeria hasn’t provided power supply, good roads, security, etc., is mad at Kemi for speaking against a system that is hurting him/her. It’s very difficult to understand the have-nots in Nigeria,” they said.

@Emmanueleferobo criticised Badenoch’s approach, questioning how airing grievances in public could help the Nigerian cause. “How does washing her dirty linen in public help the Nigerian course? She’s calling Nigeria a poor country and making it looks like Somalia is what we should applaud. The UK has its shortcomings, but you don’t see their citizens coming out to say stuff like this.”

Efforts to reach Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson by our correspondents, were not successful as he didn’t respond to calls or messages at the time of filing this report.

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