Olusegun B. Abejide
The recent remarks made by Kemi Badenoch, the newly-elected leader of the Conservative Party in the UK, have stirred a significant reaction among Nigerians, particularly about her comments about Nigeria’s political and social state. The backlash from Nigerians has been intense, and understandably so, considering the country’s painful history of mismanagement, corruption, and systemic failure. However, it is also necessary to critically examine the reasons behind these reactions and the deeper implications of the social, political, and economic issues at the heart of the debate.
The Demonic Rule of Nigerian Leaders: A Legacy of Corruption and Mismanagement
One of the primary reasons for the negative reactions to Badenoch’s comments stems from the long-standing frustration Nigerians feel toward the country’s leadership. Nigeria has experienced decades of corruption, poor management, and political instability, all of which have contributed to its underdevelopment. The military juntas that ruled the country with an iron fist, such as during the regimes of Generals Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha, Abdusalam and Obasanjo left a legacy of economic stagnation and human rights abuses. These military leaders, although they presented themselves as saviors, ruled with little regard for human dignity, leaving millions of Nigerians to suffer.
Badenoch’s remarks, while possibly reflecting her personal experiences with the country, inadvertently touch upon this painful history. She witnessed firsthand the negative effects of Nigeria’s military rule, and that context shaped her perspective on the country. The fact that she endured such hardships is a testament to the systemic failures that have plagued Nigeria since its independence. During her time in the country, she was subjected to the kind of harsh, authoritarian leadership that has often been synonymous with Nigerian governance.
Similarly, the civilian governments that succeeded the military regimes have done little to improve the situation. While the transition to democracy brought about some semblance of political freedom, it did not necessarily result in tangible progress for the people. The Obasanjo, Jonathan, and Buhari administrations, for instance, struggled to address issues like security, education, and economic development. The endemic corruption and the lack of accountability within these governments have only exacerbated the country’s dire situation, leaving the citizens in a constant state of frustration.
The Corruption That Runs Deep
One of the most glaring problems facing Nigeria today is corruption, which permeates every facet of society. From government officials siphoning public funds to businessmen exploiting the system for personal gain, Nigeria’s political and economic systems are riddled with corruption. During Obasanjo/Atiku, Jonathan, and Buhari’s administration, billions, if not trillion of dollars were embezzled, and yet the situation only seemed to worsen. The economic decline, which has left the country unable to provide basic services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, is directly tied to the corruption of both political and corporate elites.
The privatization of national industries, particularly during Atiku Abubakar’s tenure as Vice President, has compounded the problem. Instead of using the proceeds from privatized companies to benefit the citizens, these resources were diverted abroad, invested in foreign markets, and hoarded by a few powerful individuals. Industries that were once national assets were sold off to cronies, leaving behind a hollowed-out economy that is now largely dependent on oil exports rather than a diversified industrial base. This form of economic betrayal has left millions of Nigerians without jobs while the elites grow richer. As such, it is understandable why Kemi Badenoch’s comments regarding the state of Nigeria struck a nerve. The sins of the past still haunt the country, with the ghosts of corruption lurking in every corner of its political and economic systems.
The Absurdity of the System and the Fate of the Youth
Nigerian youth, in particular, have borne the brunt of these systemic failures. While many Nigerians work hard to make ends meet, the lack of opportunities, coupled with the rise of illegal industries such as fraudulent activities (commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo”) and drug trafficking, has left many young people disillusioned. With educational standards in Nigeria falling to dismal levels, it’s no surprise that many young Nigerians feel hopeless about their future. Nigeria’s educational system, once a beacon of excellence in Africa, has now become a symbol of failure. Universities have faced constant strikes, and the quality of education has declined sharply. The unemployment rate for graduates continues to climb, and many students, instead of being taught valuable skills, are often indoctrinated into a broken system.
Kemi Badenoch’s own experience as someone who was born into the Nigerian system but found success elsewhere raises an important question about Nigeria’s inability to retain its best minds. A country that pushes away its educated citizens while simultaneously allowing its youth to become entangled in crime is a society in deep trouble. In a society that glorifies religious fervor. Going to churches and Mosques from Sunday to Sunday. The country that converted all its former industrial buildings to churches but shuns agricultural innovation and intellectual development, the cycle of poverty and ignorance remains unbroken.
A Country of Injustice and Human Rights Violations
Further complicating the situation is Nigeria’s deep-rooted injustice system. The country has witnessed horrific human rights abuses, from the massacres of protestors in Lekki to the systemic targeting of ethnic and religious minorities by security forces. The Buhari administration became notorious for its lack of accountability and for using security forces as a tool of oppression against its people. Boko Haram, banditry, and Fulani herders’ violence have continued to plague the country, while those responsible are often pardoned and integrated into national security forces, creating a climate of impunity.
The End SARS protests in 2020 were a glaring example of how the Nigerian government treats its citizens. When young Nigerians bravely stood up against police brutality and mismanagement, they were met with violence, imprisonment, and even death. The government’s brutality in the face of peaceful protests is a manifestation of the satanic mindset of Nigerian leadership. The atrocities committed against innocent Nigerians, like supplanted innocent youths who were not part of the “End Bad Government” with the elders who actually did the demonstrations only further emphasize why individuals like Kemi Badenoch might choose to distance themselves from the country.
The Religious Divide and Tribalism
Nigeria’s religious and ethnic divisions only deepen the sense of injustice and division. The continued dominance of Islamic fundamentalism of the Wahhabi sect in northern Nigeria, alongside growing religious intolerance, has compounded the challenges of national unity. While Nigeria is officially a secular state, the attempts to Islamize the country through political channels undermine the very foundation of democracy. The introduction of policies such as the “Subversion Bill”, which would limit freedom of speech, and the calls for a nationalized Islamic religion, further highlight the erosion of democratic values in the country.
At the same time, the tribalism that permeates Nigerian politics—especially when it comes to positions of power—is another reason why Kemi’s comments resonated with so many Nigerians. The inability of the country to move beyond ethnic loyalties to create a unified, functioning state has left the people in a perpetual state of conflict. The fight for power has often turned deadly, with political leaders using ethnic divisions to maintain their control over the masses.
Nigerian Youth: Denouncing the Country’s Leadership and Future Trajectory
The frustration felt by Kemi Badenoch is not isolated. Many Nigerian children—whether born abroad or raised in Nigeria—are increasingly disillusioned with the state of their country. Some have already denounced their association with Nigeria, choosing instead to align with their global identities or seeking refuge in countries where governance is more transparent, just, and stable. These individuals, like Kemi, are often the product of a failed system—a system that pushes its brightest away, only to later question their loyalty when they seek to escape a broken, corrupt society. The growing number of Nigerian expatriates who reject the country’s political system signals a profound shift in perspective among the youth. This shift challenges the notion of national identity in a country that continues to disappoint its citizens at home and abroad.
While Kemi Badenoch may choose to distance herself from Nigeria, she is not alone. There are many others who, through various means, have chosen to either renounce or distance themselves from the nation’s leadership and its ongoing failures. The broader implications are clear: a generation of Nigerians may soon turn away from the nation that has failed to provide them with the opportunities, justice, and stability they deserve. Whether through immigration or disillusionment, this trend points to a future where Nigeria’s leaders must confront the reality that their youth is no longer loyal to a system that has betrayed them.
The Dark Side: Bill Gates, GMO, Human Trafficking, and Organ Harvesting
As Nigeria struggles with its internal issues, it also faces darker challenges orchestrated by external forces. One of the most insidious of these influences is the involvement of Bill Gates, particularly in the promotion of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) and his alleged involvement in various human rights abuses within the country. Gates has been heavily invested in agricultural policies in Africa, pushing for the adoption of genetically modified crops. Critics have long argued that his involvement has been a strategic move to control Africa’s food supply, particularly in Nigeria, where he has influenced policies related to agriculture and food security.
Many people consider GMO crops to be a part of a larger, exploitative agenda that Gates has promoted through organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Critics claim that the introduction of genetically modified foods is a tactic to decrease food sovereignty and increase corporate control over agricultural production. Some have gone as far as to suggest that these efforts are linked to population control schemes, disguised as philanthropic ventures, that can exacerbate poverty and dependency on foreign aid. The satanic agenda behind these ventures is tied to the economic exploitation of vulnerable nations, and Nigeria has been at the forefront of this manipulation.
Another dark shadow cast over Nigeria is the growing human trafficking industry, which thrives within the country due to systemic corruption and lack of effective governance. Nigeria has become a hotbed for human trafficking, with Nigerians being trafficked to various parts of the world for forced labor, sex work, and organ harvesting. Corrupt networks within the Nigerian government, where officials turn a blind eye to these crimes in exchange for financial gain, have exacerbated these practices.
The organ harvesting trade, in particular, has received minimal media coverage, but reports suggest that international networks are operating within Nigeria, exploiting its weak enforcement of laws to harvest organs from vulnerable citizens. There are even claims that traffickers use the cover of religion, particularly Islamic or evangelical practices, to hide their operations, preying on the poorest segments of Nigerian society. This diabolical exploitation continues to have devastating effects on the country’s image and its reputation internationally.
Exposure of These Evils Under the Trump Regime
While the Biden administration and other Western governments have been slow to address some of these issues, there is hope that the Trump regime, or a future administration with a similar approach to global accountability, may bring these atrocities to light. Trump’s previous stance on global corruption, particularly his efforts to call attention to Chinese economic dominance and its links to human rights violations, suggests that under a more nationalistic and populist U.S. leadership, these evil practices might be exposed. Trump, known for his critical stance on global elites and their involvement in exploitative practices, maybe a key figure in addressing the darker side of international relations, including Bill Gates’ influence in Africa and the role of global elites in perpetuating systemic injustices like human trafficking and organ harvesting.
The Biden administration has made efforts to address global corruption, but much of the focus has been on climate change and economic recovery. The global exploitation of countries like Nigeria, especially with the complicity of foreign entities, remains an unresolved issue. However, there is hope that in future administrations, more attention will be given to Africa’s sovereignty, self-determination, and the protection of its citizens from such foreign exploitation.
Conclusion
The frustrations expressed by Kemi Badenoch regarding Nigeria’s poor governance are not without merit. She represents a growing diaspora of Nigerians who are disillusioned with their homeland’s political, economic, and social failures. Whether due to the corrupt leadership that has plagued the country for decades, the influence of foreign figures like Bill Gates, or the ongoing human rights abuses that continue unchecked, many Nigerians are choosing to distance themselves from a nation that has failed to deliver on its promises.
At the same time, there are larger, global forces at play—forces that use Nigeria as a testing ground for exploitative practices like GMO control, human trafficking, and organ harvesting. The question of who will associate with a country as corrupted and oppressive as Nigeria has never been more pertinent. While Badenoch’s rejection of Nigeria may be seen as controversial, it is reflective of the larger discontent among the younger generation of Nigerians who seek something better than what their country has been able to provide. Only when the true evils of the system—from foreign exploitation to the human trafficking trade—are exposed and dealt with can Nigeria begin its journey toward healing and renewal. In the meantime, the struggle continues, and it remains to be seen whether new leadership—whether from figures like Kemi or others—will finally bring about the change Nigeria so desperately needs.
By and large, Kemi Badenoch has not relinquished her identity as an Omoluabi. She continues to carry the Yoruba blood in her veins, always representing her father, a Yoruba man, who raised and shaped her into the person she is today. While she may choose to denounce Nigeria as her first country, she can never deny her Yoruba heritage. Regardless of her criticisms of Nigeria, her connection to the Yoruba people remains an intrinsic part of who she is. As a woman, she may lean toward her husband’s decisions and place him at the center of her personal life, as marriage often leads one to prioritize the wishes of their spouse. However, her Yoruba roots—instilled by her father—remain an undeniable and unshakeable part of her identity.
Dr Abejide writes from the United States of America
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