“Focus on Your Adopted Country”—Shehu Sani Slams UK Minister Kemi Badenoch Over Nigeria Citizenship Remarks

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has taken a swipe at British Conservative politician, Kemi Badenoch, for her recent criticism of Nigeria’s citizenship laws. Sani urged Badenoch to focus on her adopted country, the United Kingdom, instead of interfering in Nigerian affairs.

Badenoch, a UK cabinet minister of Nigerian heritage, had told CNN’s Fareed Zakaria that Nigeria’s laws do not allow her to pass citizenship to her children because she is a woman. She further compared the situation with the UK, stating it is far easier for Nigerians to obtain British citizenship than for foreigners to become Nigerian citizens.

“It’s virtually impossible to get Nigerian citizenship,” Badenoch said. “I have that citizenship through my parents, but I can’t pass it to my kids because I’m a woman. Yet many Nigerians come to the UK and become citizens with relative ease. We need to stop being naive.”

Responding via his official X handle on Monday, Shehu Sani questioned why Badenoch would desire Nigerian citizenship for her children while publicly distancing herself from Nigeria. “Why should Kemi Badenoch be bothered about securing Nigerian citizenship for her children when she has repeatedly rebuked and rejected the country?” he asked. “She should just enjoy her adopted home and leave us alone in our fatherland.”