Kemi Badenoch’s statement about Nigerian citizenship restrictions tied to gender has provoked a sharp response from Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who leads the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
During a CNN conversation, Badenoch described the difficulty of acquiring Nigerian citizenship, explaining, “I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents, I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman.”
Addressing this on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, Dabiri-Erewa declared the statement false. She criticized the spreading of incorrect views on global media, saying, “Don’t divulge false information. You go on international media and spew a lie.”
She condemned the insult to Nigerian identity, affirming, “When you denigrate your country, we’ll reply you… It’s about Nigeria.”
She also noted the flourishing careers of many Nigerians abroad, noting, “We don’t have to focus on one person,” highlighting the broader diaspora’s accomplishments.
The commission pledges continued engagement with Nigerians worldwide to support their welfare honestly and patriotically while acknowledging ongoing troubles faced overseas.