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Academic Activities Suspended Indefinitely In LASU, As Staff Embark On Strike

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Lagos State University - LASU

By Akinwale Kasali

Lecturers and Non-Academic Staff of the Lagos State University, LASU, have embarked on an indefinite strike, prompting the school management to suspend all academic activities across the institution’s campuses indefinitely.

The Industrial Action by the Lecturers and the Non-Academic Staff  stems from the failure of the Lagos State Government to meet their demands over increment of their salaries.

Following this development, the Deputy Registrar/Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, in a statement said that the

2024/2025 Second Semester Examinations, initially scheduled to commence on Monday, 4th August 2025, would be put on hold until the lecturers and other staff agree to resume work.

Flowing from that, the school management has directed students residing in the university hostels across the Ojo, LASUCOM, Epe, and Badagry campuses to vacate the facilities before 6.00 am on Monday.

The decisions were announced on Saturday by LASU Senate after reviewing the report of the declared industrial action by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) presented before them by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.

During the emergency virtual meeting, the Senate agreed that the solution to the staff demands rests solely with the Lagos State Government.

Speaking further, Thomas-Onashile, stated that the school management urged the students to remain calm and law-abiding pending when the crisis ends.

Said the statement: “The Lagos State University Senate at its virtual meeting held on Saturday, 2nd August 2025 considered and reviewed the report of the declared industrial action by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Staff Unions comprising the LASU Chapters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) on Thursday, 31st July 2025.

“Senate of the University, while considering the verbal report, noted the information provided by the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate that: The core demands of the Joint Action Committee are directed at the Lagos State Government;

“The University Management has, over the past few weeks, facilitated dialogue and pursued peaceful resolutions between the unions and the State Government.

“In line with the above, the Lagos State Government convened a meeting comprising University Management, representatives of the Joint Action Committee, representatives of the relevant ministries, and chaired by the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, on Friday, 1st August 2025 at the office of the Head of Service in Alausa, Ikeja.

“At the said meeting, it was agreed that further consultations would be held, with all parties reconvening on Thursday, 7th August 2025.

“The Senate, after due deliberations, resolved that the 2024/2025 Second Semester Examinations, initially scheduled to commence on Monday, 4th August 2025, be put on hold and all other activities in the University be suspended until further notice.

“In addition, all students residing in the university hostels across the Ojo, LASUCOM, Epe, and Badagry campuses are to vacate the hostels latest by 6:00 a.m. on Monday, 4th August 2025.

“Members of the LASU community, particularly students, are enjoined to remain calm and law-abiding during this period”.

Nigeria Lauds Benin Republic’s Contributions To Regional Integration

By
Ayodele Oni
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Patrice Talon - Benin Republic President

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria has assured Republic of Benin that it remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations and working together within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to advance the welfare of our people.

In a statement on Saturday on the Independence Anniversary of Benin Republic, Nigeria commended Benin’s contributions to regional integration and its steadfast commitment to democracy and good governance.

The Statement was signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson, of the ministry of foreign affairs.

According to the statement, “the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar extends his warmest congratulations to His Excellency, Olusegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin, on the joyous occasion of the Independence Anniversary of their country.

“As Nigeria’s close neighbour and valued partner, the Republic of Benin holds a special place in our shared history, cultural ties, and mutual aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity in West Africa.

“The longstanding friendship between our two nations, rooted in deep historical and economic connections, continues to grow stronger through collaborative efforts in trade, security, and regional development.

“Nigeria remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Benin and working together within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to advance the welfare of our people.

“We commend Benin’s contributions to regional integration and its steadfast commitment to democracy and good governance.

“Therefore, on this momentous day, the Federal Republic of Nigeria celebrates the resilience and progress of the Government and people of the Republic of Benin and reaffirms Nigeria’s unwavering solidarity with the Republic of Benin, looking forward to deepening our partnership for the benefit of both nations and the entire West African region.”

Yar’Adua University Katsina, Expels 57 Students

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Umaru Musa YarAdua University

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, UMYU, Katsina, on Saturday, August 2, 2025,  announced the expulsion of 57 students over their involvement in examination malpractices.

The expulsion, according to a statement from the institution’s spokesperson, Fatima Sanda, was sequel to the report and recommendations of an Investigative Committee which found the students guilty of engagements in various acts of examination malpractices.

The Committee’s recommendations were deliberated upon and, subsequently, ratified by the Senate of the University at its 125th Regular Meeting.

The Committee’s recommendations had earlier been endorsed by the University’s Central Examination Misconduct Committee, before being tabled before the Senate, the statement added.

Besides the expelled students, the Senate also ratified the rustication of five others for a period of two semesters (one academic session)  following the cancellation of their examination papers.

This is as two other students were issued with strong letters of warning, copies of which will be domiciled in their academic files.

While expressing its unwavering commitment towards upholding the sanctity of academic standards, the University’s Management warned that it will not hesitate to wield the big stick against any acts capable of undermining the integrity of its examinations.

NGE Tackles Governor Bago, Asks FG To Unseal Badeggi Radio Station

By
The Source
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Mohammed Umar Bago

The Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, has strongly condemned the closure of Badeggi Radio Station, on the orders of the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago.

The Governor had sealed the Station on the allegation that it was inciting violence.

But in a Press Release signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild condemned the Governor’s action, and said he acted outside his powers in ordering the closure of a Radio Station. “The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code”, the NGE said.

It noted that the Minister for Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; already pointed that breach out, but urged “the Federal Government to go beyond that and order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station while investigation is carried out.”

Following is the full text of the Press Release.

NIGERIAN GUILD OF EDITORS (NGE)

Closure of Badeggi Radio Station by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) strongly condemn the recent order for the closure of Badeggi Radio by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State. We consider this a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy in Nigeria.

This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where free press is essential for holding those in power accountable.

Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom. Also, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is signatory to, also guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression

The closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy. Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station. The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.

We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out. This should go beyond observing the anomaly. The federal government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out.

Government officials should know that we are in a democracy and therefore, the act of arbitrary order for the sealing off and closure of a radio station is unacceptable. Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago.

Governor Bago’s alegation of incitement of violence by the radio station is a serious issue, which has to be investigated and proven before any action can be taken. We urge the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals.

We also call on the authorities to take measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely. Badeggi Radio should be reopened while the investigation continues.

The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right.

Signed:

Eze Anaba

President, NGE

Onuoha Ukeh
General Secretary, NGE

Abba Kyari: Even As Trial Is Still On, Calls For Presidential Pardon Widen …IHRC Join

By
Adesina Soyooye
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DCP Abba Kyari,

By Adesina Soyooye

The call for the discontinuation of the prosecution of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Abba Kyari, and the granting of pardon to him by President Bola Tinubu is widening.

Kyari, an accomplished crime fighter, celebrated and respected and adored by not a few Nigerians because of his, almost, mystical way of bursting even the most complicated and intricate crime cases, including kidnapping fell by the way side when, in 2022, he was, shockingly, implicated, allegedly, in a drug case by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, as a member of a drug syndicate.

Since then, he has been on suspension from work, and under prosecution.

But given the worsening and unprecedented insecurity in the country, especially, cases of kidnapping, the impression is that it may not have degenerated to this level, were Kyari and his boys still in the system.

Gradually, therefore, the call for the discontinuation of his prosecution, release from custody, and pardon by the President, has gradually, but steadily been on the increase.

The latest voice for his release and pardon is coming from the  International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) office Nigeria.

In a statement, the body is calling for a consolidation of the growing public call for a conditional presidential pardon for Kyari. It based its position on the rising threats to Nigeria’s internal security.

In a statement issued by H.E. Ambassador (Dr.) Duru Hezekiah, its Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, on Friday,

IHRC expressed its respect for the ongoing judicial proceedings against Kyari, and emphasized that its call was not aimed at influencing court decisions, but for  strategic national interests, especially if not feasible during the trial’s course.

It noted: “Our position is not to circumvent justice or interrupt legal processes.

Rather, we urge a future-focused, constitutionally grounded approach that recognizes the tactical value of experienced security personnel—if found eligible under law and subject to public accountability.”

It reaffirmed its commitment to justice and the rule of law, but proposed a conditional clemency, citing Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to grant pardons and reprieves.

It noted: “Globally, there are precedents where convicted individuals with valuable operational expertise have been reintegrated into national service through conditional frameworks—under strict legal and ethical oversight.

“In the United States, law enforcement agencies have regularly offered plea bargains or deferred sentencing in exchange for intelligence or cooperation.

Former hackers have been recruited by governments to assist in cybersecurity defences.

“In post-conflict African states, ex-warlords have been granted conditional amnesties to enable peace and stability.”

Such conditional clemency, it noted, is not forgiveness,  but a pragmatic tool of national security strategy, particularly when the individual involved has demonstrated proven tactical and intelligence capabilities that could aid national stability, if lawfully and transparently redeployed.

It noted:

“A conditional pardon for Kyari—subject to public accountability—could transform a controversial figure into a rehabilitated asset in Nigeria’s fight against crime.”

Urging President Bola Tinubu to use the powers granted him and pardon Kyari, the Commission said:

“Let this be a defining moment where justice, constitutionality and national interest align to restore peace and confidence in our security framework.

“We are not advocating impunity. We propose a rehabilitative, oversight-driven reintegration process prioritizing public interest and national security, particularly if trial timing is not feasible.

“This is a call for strategic statecraft, not political favoritism.

“In times of national crisis, justice must be redemptive as well as corrective.

“If used wisely, conditional clemency can serve as a bridge between law enforcement accountability and long-term peace building.”

CG Customs, Adeniyi’s Extension In Office: DCG Nwafor Not Next In Rank

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Adewale Adeniyi and DCG BU Nwafor

By Adesina Soyooye

It has been confirmed that  the news which made the rounds on Friday that President Bola Tinubu deliberately extended the tenure in office of Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs, by one year, to prevent Deputy Comptroller General, BU Nwafor, from succeeding him in office is false.

Contrary to that news which was given vent, and went viral, when former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, who was also a former Aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie,  listed the reasons why Tinubu denied Nwafor the top position, Nwafor, a female from Anambra State,  is nowhere near being the next in rank to Adeniyi.

Recall that on Thursday, President Tinubu had extended, by one year, the tenure in office of Adeniyi to, according to the Press Release signed by Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Spokesperson, enable him complete the modernisation  exercise which he had  started. Adeniyi was to retire in August 2025 before it was extended to August 2026.

However, Onochie had slammed the extension and claimed it was done deliberately to stop Nwafor because, among other reasons: her gender, her State of origin, Anambra, has no husband or boyfriend in the Villa, and has no Governor backing her.

However, investigation has put a lie to the claim that Nwafor is next in rank.

Here are the facts:

Five Officers were promoted on 4th May 2023,  to the rank of Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG).

On that same  4th May, 2023, Nwafor was promoted to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG).

Her promotion to DCG followed a full year after the promotion of the five DCGs including alongside the current Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

The accurate ranking as documented are:

Assistant Comptrollers‑General (ACGs) confirmed on 4 May 2023

  • 1. O. Peters – ACG / Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘C’
  • 2. A. I. Alfa – ACG Strategic Research & Policy
  • 3. H. J. Swomen – ACG Excise, Free Trade Zone & Industrial Incentives
  • 4. K. C. Egwuh – ACG Doctrine Development and Administration Command
  • 5. M. B. A. Musa – ACG Tariff & Trade
  • 6. A. Dappa‑Williams – ACG Enforcement, Inspection & Investigation
  • 7. B. M. Jibo – ACG Headquarters
  • 8. A. Hamisu – ACG / Commandant, Nigeria Customs Command & Staff College
  • 9. Y. Salihu – ACG Finance & Admin
  • 10. M. I. Yusuf – ACG Training & Coordination
  • 11. S. A. Bomai – ACG Board
  • 12. C. K. Niagwan – ACG Technical Services
  • 13. K. I. Adeola – ACG ICT / Modernisation
  • 14. I. O. Babalola – ACG / Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘D’
  • 15. B. U. Nwafor – ACG Human Resource Development

DCG Nwafor, alongside others, is billed to retire in October, 2026.

For the records, Adeniyi is not the only one in that category whose tenure in office was extended by  President Tinubu. He had, earlier, extended that of the Inspector General of Police by four years and that of the Comptroller General of Immigration by one year.

Instructively, the CG of Immigration is  female – Kemi Nanna Nandap.

Sanwo-Olu Appoints Northerner Into Market Advisory Committee, Emir Sanusi Applauds

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Alhaji Shehu Usman and Babajide Sanwo-olu and Emir Lamido Sanusi

By Adesina Soyooye

For the first time, a Nigerian of Northern extraction has been appointed into the influential Lagos Market Advisory Committee.

The appointment was made recently by the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the excitement of the (factional) Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi who has applauded the Governor.

The appointee Alhaji Shehu Usman, is the Chairman of Mile 12 International Market.

Applauding Governor Sanwo-Olu’s action, Emir Sanusi described it as “both timely and deserving”.

He pointed out Usman’s praise worthy and outstanding leadership, visionary approach, and most importantly, his pivotal role as a unifier and bridge-builder “within the market and the broader northern community in Lagos.”

The Emir, also, noted “Shehu Usman’s tireless efforts to resolve long-standing divisions within the Arewa community in Lagos” and said they have been “truly transformative.”

He lauded Usman’s “wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to unity, which led to the formation of a reconciliation committee that successfully unified rival Arewa factions.

This historic achievement culminated in the emergence of Alhaji Saadu Gulma as the Chairman of the unified Arewa community in Lagos”, the  Emir pointed out.

The Emir emphasized that Shehu Usman’s contributions have brought about “a robust foundation for northern development in Lagos, earning him respect across generations and enabling him to effectively manage complex challenges and foster harmony among diverse groups.”

To this end, Sanusi urged the Arewa community in Lagos to emulate Usman’s leadership and remain peaceful, law-abiding, and cooperative with the state government to achieve genuine progress, since  “true progress can only be achieved through unity and mutual respect.

“Today, Mile 12 International Market stands as a beacon of inclusive leadership and social integration, largely due to the exemplary legacy of Alhaji Shehu Usman.”

“You Have Injured My Reputation”: Nnamdi Kanu Sues Reno Omokri For N60b

By
The Source
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Nnamdi Kanu and Reno Omokri

By Gideon Njoku

The allegations against him for which he is being prosecuted by the Federal Government  notwithstanding, the years in the custody of the Federal Government notwithstanding, Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is conscious of who he is, and why he should, always, guard his reputation jealously. So, his anger rises to high heavens each time he feels strongly that his reputation has been injured. He takes action to rectify it

One of those times is his recent tango with Reno Omokri, a former President Bola Tinubu adversary- turned unrepentant defender.

Kanu has just taken a very strong exception to Omokri’s allegations against him and the IPOB which he still leads from the four walls of his detention facility. So, he has dragged Omokri to Court asking for a whopping amount of N60 billion, an amount he thinks would assuage his anger, and compensate him for the damages to his reputation.

The suit instituted at the Enugu State High Court, according to his lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, is accusing Omokri of publishing defamatory and prejudicial statements against him.

Accoding to the writ of summons, the breakdown is as follows: N50 billion in general damages for alleged injury to reputation, emotional distress, and prejudice to ongoing judicial proceedings. And, another N10 billion in aggravated damages.

Kanu cited what was entered in the suit as “malicious and reckless publication of false statements” against his person by Omokri.

Huge as the money he wants paid to him is, Kanu does not think it is enough to make him forgive, so, he makes more demands.

Omokri, Kanu demands, must  publish a full retraction of the offending statements in two national newspapers, and on his Twitter/X account within seven days of judgment.

He, also, wants a public apology in the same media outlets, through which Omokri must “admit to the misrepresentation of facts.”

And, there is more.

The IPOB leader has, also, asked the Court to issue a perpetual injunction to restrain Omokri, his agents, privies, or assigns from further disseminating the allegedly defamatory content without lawful justification.

In addition, he is claiming costs of the action, including legal fees, and, if there is a delay in the payment of the monetary award to him, an interest at the rate of 10 percent per annum from the date of judgment until full payment.

In his confirmation of the the lawsuit through his X page, Lawyer Ejimakor said   the action is a strong response to the publications by Omokri.

Ejimakor: “Yesterday, (Thursday) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu commenced a muscular legal action against RENO OMOKRI (@renoomokri), seeking a retraction, apology & damages for Omokri’s highly defamatory & prejudicial publications against Mazi Kanu, IPOB & #Ndigbo. Others like Omokri should take note & be guided.”

Kanu has been in the custody of the Federal Government since 2021 after being renditioned from Nairobi, Kenya, an action which has been roundly condemned by both local and international Courts.

Gov Fintiri Gives Super Falcons Coach N50m, House

By
The Source
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Governor Finitr and Super Falcons Coach

By Gideon Njoku

Super Falcons Head Coach, Justin Madugu, on Friday, not only became N50 million richer than he was on Tuesday, he also got one more house added to the one he was gifted earlier.

Recall that on Tuesday, when President Bola Tinubu hosted the Super Falcons for overcoming all obstacles to lift the Women Africa Cup of Nations Trophy for the 10th time in Rabat, Morocco, the President gifted the players a three bedroom flat each in Abuja, the Naira equivalent of $100,000 Dollars, and also awarded them National honours – OON (Officer of the Order of the Niger).

To the Technical Crew which included the Head Coach, he also gave the same except that their cash was the Naira equivalent of $50,000. There is, however, an unconfirmed report that Madugu’s cash gift was later upped to $100,000.

But what does it matter to him? If he felt, just like not a few people felt, that from the onset, he should have received same cash as his players (or even more as was usually the case) from the President, his State Governor, Fintri has more than made it up.

His Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, Adamawa, on receiving Maduagu at the Government House, Yola, gifted him the sum of N50 million and a fully furnished three bedroom bungalow.

The gifts were disclosed by Pius IIiya, Fintiri’s Aide, in a Facebook post. He wrote:

“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on behalf of the Government and people of Adamawa State, has gifted Justine Pwanidi Madugu (Coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons) a three-bedroom bungalow and a sum of N50m for leading the team into winning the 2024 Women African Cup of Nation that took place in Morocco this year.”

The Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, also gave the team the sum of N360 million. Individual State Governors, in addition to that, are also giving cash gift to players from their States. A number of Companies and banks are, as well,  showering them with cash gifts and so did some Super Eagles players give the Super Falcons players the sum of One Million Naira each. The beat goes on.

Kemi Badenoch Says She No Longer Identifies With Nigeria

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Kemi Badenoch

By Akinwale Kasali

Kemi Badenoch, Leader of British Conservative Party, has said she no longer wants to be identified as a Nigerian.

The Tory leader said she does not hold a Nigerian Passport since she has not renewed it in the past 20 years, and has no need to do so.

Badenoch said that while she knew the country “very well” and had an interest in what happens there, she felt that her home is where her family is.

She made this assertions while speaking on the Rosebud podcast.

She said: “I have not renewed my Nigerian passport, I think, not since the early 2000s.

“I don’t identify with it any more. Most of my life has been in the UK and I’ve just never felt the need to.

“I’m Nigerian through ancestry, by birth, despite not being born there, because of my parents, but by identity, I’m not really.

“I know the country very well.  I have a lot of family there, and I’m very interested in what happens there.

“But home is where my now family is, and my now family is my Children, it’s my husband and my brother and his Children, In-Laws.

“The Conservative Party is very much part of my family, my extended family, I call it.”

She however recalled when her father, Femi Adegoke, who was a Doctor, died in 2022,  Badenoch said she had to get a Visa to travel back to Nigeria, which she described as a “big fandango”.

Kemi was born in Wimbledon, South West London, in 1980 before her parents took her home to Nigeria.

She was one of the last people to receive Birthright Citizenship rules in Britain, before they were abolished by Margaret Thatcher the following year.

Kemi stated that she felt both British and Nigerian while growing up in Lagos.

“Finding out that I did have that British Citizenship was a marvel to so many of my contemporaries, so many of my peers.

“I think the reason that I came back here was actually a very sad one, and it was that my parents thought there is no future for you in this country.

“I never felt I belonged there”, she said.

Speaking further,  she remembered “never quite feeling that I belonged there” in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that the UK Conservative Party Leader has been slammed on several occasions for her statements that demean Nigeria as a country.

Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria had slammed her for being more British than Nigeria.

Shettima told her that she has every right to remove the Kemi from her name” if she was not “proud” to be from Nigeria.

Responding to Shettima’a outburst, Kemi’s Spokesman later said that the Tory leader “stands by what she says” and that she is “not the PRO for Nigeria.”

Also, the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM,  Abike Dabiri-Erewa, recently lashed Kemi Badenoch for allegedly spewing lies against Nigeria, and told her that no one was forcing her to love Nigeria.

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