Group Petitions UK Parliament Over Kemi Badenoch’s ‘Harmful’ Remark

A Nigerian peacebuilding organization, Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), has called out British Minister Kemi Badenoch for allegedly making false and damaging statements about Nigeria’s Constitution.

The group has formally petitioned both the United Kingdom Parliament and the Conservative Party over what it described as misleading and harmful remarks.

Badenoch, during an appearance on CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS, claimed that Nigerian women cannot pass citizenship to their children.

Her statement immediately drew backlash from PeacePro, which condemned the claim as factually incorrect and diplomatically dangerous.

Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the Executive Director of PeacePro, signed the strongly worded petition. He firmly stated that the Nigerian Constitution grants equal citizenship rights to men and women.

He explained that no clause in the Constitution supports Badenoch’s position. Therefore, he urged the UK Parliament to scrutinize her comments carefully.

“The Nigerian Constitution does not discriminate between men and women on nationality issues,” Hamzat emphasized.

Furthermore, Hamzat expressed disappointment that Badenoch, a minister of Nigerian heritage, could issue such misleading statements. He warned that repeated comments of this nature not only insult Nigeria but also damage its global reputation.

He pointed out that Badenoch holds a powerful position in the UK Cabinet, which makes her words carry significant weight internationally.

According to him, her consistent misrepresentation creates a dangerous precedent.

He insisted that such rhetoric must stop if UK-Nigeria relations are to remain strong and respectful.

“It is unacceptable for someone in her position to consistently issue false statements about a sovereign nation with historic ties to the UK,” Hamzat declared.

PeacePro’s petition did not end with criticism alone. It outlined clear demands: the UK Parliament and the Conservative Party must immediately launch a review of Badenoch’s public remarks.

They must also demand a public apology and clarification.

Additionally, PeacePro urged UK authorities to set up proper communication guidelines for officials discussing foreign nations.

The group warned that ignoring the issue could normalize misinformation and erode trust between Nigeria and the UK.

PeacePro emphasized that both countries share important partnerships in trade, education, security, and migration.

Hence, careless remarks could harm those crucial ties.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom share deep economic, historical, and cultural bonds.

Public officials must protect those ties not damage them with careless rhetoric,” Hamzat said.

In closing, PeacePro called for truth, accountability, and mutual respect in diplomacy. Hamzat left no room for ambiguity.

“Peace grows from truth. Diplomacy demands mutual respect. Falsehoods do not build peace. Disrespect does not serve diplomacy,” he concluded

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