Kemi the Migrant Woman Against Migrants: A Self-Stabbing Approach (1), by Usman Yusuf Dole
“Success is not about shutting the door behind you; it is about holding the door open for others.”
In the late 19th century, both the United Kingdom and the United States embraced inclusive political citizenship and merit-based leadership. These shifts were driven by several key principles:
I. Diversity and Inclusion:
As multicultural societies shaped by immigration, both nations recognised the value of representing diverse communities. Their openness reflected a commitment to inclusivity, enabling the growth of a rich and harmonious society.
II. Meritocracy:
Leadership was no longer reserved for those born into privilege. Instead, it became accessible to individuals based on ability, qualifications, and societal contributions. This ensured that even those from modest backgrounds could rise to prominence through hard work and talent.
III. Global Leadership Values:
By embracing qualified leaders from all walks of life, both nations promoted values of openness and equality, projecting these ideals globally.
READ ALSO: The Unspeakable Reality of Nigeria, by Usman Yusuf Dole
This approach has propelled these nations to the forefront of global advancement, fostering legacies of innovation, inclusivity, and progress.
Amidst this legacy, we encounter Kemi Badenoch, a Nigerian/UK-born politician who embodies a paradox. She is the ideological flip side of Donald Trump, yet they are two sides of the same coin. Trump’s identity is purely American, rooted in his belief that migrants threatened his people’s interests. Kemi, the daughter of a Yoruba father and Igbo mother, migrated to the UK in the late 70s seeking better opportunities. Now, as the UK’s Secretary of State for International Trade and a leader of the Conservative Party, she advocates for stricter immigration policies while casting aspersions on her country of origin, Nigeria.
Kemi’s political approach raises critical questions. By vocally opposing migrants and disparaging Nigeria, she risks alienating the very communities she could empower. Her rhetoric reinforces stereotypes and seems more focused on proving her “Britishness” less of Nigerian than on advocating for meaningful changes. She lacked the substance to substantive her ability to lead, so she then turned to a self-stabbing approach.
Leaders like Kamala Harris, Rishi Sunak, Barack Obama, and Boris Johnson embraced their multicultural identities while striving for inclusivity, they did not denounce their origins or use them as tools for self-promotion. Rather, they demonstrated that leadership transcends ethnicity or migration history, embodying the principles of bridge-building and empowerment till they all get to the top.
Kemi, however, appears to lack this depth. Her harsh criticism of Nigeria may stem from frustration with its governance and systemic corruption, but it often comes across as dismissive and unproductive. Her position affords her a unique opportunity to advocate for constructive reforms in Nigeria, a country deeply influenced by the UK’s political legacy. Instead, her actions appear to be a case of self-inflicted harm, alienating those who should see her as a symbol of hope and possibility.
Her stance is a stark reminder of the risks inherent in self-serving politics. Instead of fostering understanding and solidarity, she has chosen a path that undermines her origins and alienates others in similar circumstances.
If Kemi truly aspires to lead on the global stage, she must reframe her approach. Leadership, especially for migrants, is not a contradiction but a responsibility to bridge divides, foster understanding, and champion inclusivity. She has the platform to do more than criticise; she can inspire, reform, and build. But to do so, she must first recognise the value of holding the door open for others, not slamming it or shutting it behind her.
By shifting her focus from self-promotion to meaningful advocacy, Kemi Badenoch could transform her legacy from one divisive to one of hope. For now, however, her stance remains a cautionary tale of missed opportunist and self-inflicted wound folk.
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