The founder of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation), Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, has pushed back against recent remarks by Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the United Kingdom opposition, criticizing her country of origin, Nigeria.
Badenoch has been unwavering in her sharp commentary about Nigeria. In her latest remarks, the leader of the UK’s Conservative Party recounted a troubling experience with the Nigeria Police.
During an interview with The Free Press, a US media outlet, she claimed that officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) stole her brother’s watch and shoes.
These comments sparked widespread backlash from Nigerians, including a strong reproach from Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who condemned Badenoch’s negative portrayal of the country.
Addressing the controversy in an interview with Channels Television, Pastor Adegboyega countered Badenoch’s statements, insisting that Nigeria isn’t as dire as the UK politician suggests. When asked about her views, the SPAC Nation leader said:
“I completely disagree with her statement. In 2023, 2024, 78,000 bags were snatched. 78,000 phones snatched in the UK in London. So I disagree with the statement.
“There is a very strong Nigerian black community in the UK. People who have been fighting for people like the leader of the opposition that you just mentioned to get to that position. We know what’s going on. Do you know that prisons have more black young people than schools in the UK?
“So yes, our country has its own issues, but it’s definitely not true what the leader of the opposition is saying.”