Constitutional lawyer and international law expert, Prince Uche Darlington Okeke, has called on Ms. Kemi Badenoch to stop making disparaging remarks about Nigeria, referring to her as “merely a tenant in Britain.”
Okeke advised the leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party to be mindful of her statements and avoid uncomplimentary remarks about her country of birth.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Onitsha, Okeke, a Nigerian-born, British-trained lawyer, expressed his disappointment over Badenoch’s recent comments, emphasizing that such remarks were unexpected from an influential figure of Nigerian descent.
Badenoch, in her first speech of 2025, criticized Nigeria and its leadership, stating: “I don’t want Britain to be like ‘poor’ Nigeria, where terrible government destroys lives.”
She further remarked on her experiences growing up in Nigeria, saying: “I grew up in a poor country and watched my relatively wealthy family become poorer despite working harder, as their money disappeared with inflation.”
Reacting to these statements, Okeke described them as not only disappointing but also a reminder of the need for public figures to uphold respect for international law and cultural sensitivity.
“As a leader and the shadow Prime Minister of the UK, it is crucial to recognize the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter,” Okeke stated.
“Meddling into the internal affairs of another country can have serious consequences, including damaging bilateral relationship and undermining global stability.
“The principle of non-interference in international law, as stated in Article 2(7) of the United Nations Charter, prohibits countries and their leaders from interfering in the internal affairs of other nations”, said the constitutional lawyer.
“Badenoch’s comments also violate the African Union’s Non-Aggression and Common Defence Pact, which emphasizes the importance of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.
“Furthermore, cultural sensitivity and understanding are crucial in today’s interconnected world.
“Public figures have a responsibility to promote respectful dialogue and avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes or biases. This includes being mindful of the historical and cultural context of the countries they comment on.
“In addition, her statements are divisive and inflammatory, and they undermine Nigeria’s global significance and contributions.
“As a leader, she should promote unity, understanding, and respect for diversity rather than perpetuating negative stereotypes and fueling discord”.
“In this case, Badenoch’s comments not only demonstrate a lack of cultural sensitivity but also disregard the progress Nigeria has made in recent years.
“As a public figure, she has a responsibility to promote a more nuanced and accurate understanding of other countries and their people” the Constitutional lawyer said
