Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar, has hailed the new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the appointment of Kemi Badenoch.
Mrs Badenoch was appointed last Saturday the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, an equivalent of a junior minister, Igbere TV reports.
“I commend and celebrate British Prime Minister, Mr. Boris Johnson, for appointing a British citizen of Nigerian heritage as a minister in his government,” Atiku said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Your cabinet has a lot to teach the world. With an average age of 47, it is the UK’s youngest ever cabinet, and with over 25% minority representation, it is one of the world’s most diverse governments. It is also a gender balanced administration, with 24% female representation. Putting together such a well represented government is a testament to your ability to connect, include and unite.
“Like I said in both my private and public messages to you, I am confident that under your leadership, Anglo-Nigerian relationships will be greatly strengthened.”
Atiku also congratulated Badenoch, saying that “Nigerians, especially her youth, are natural leaders, with advanced intellect and abilities. I said this when I congratulated Kelechi (Kaycee) Madu on being made a minister in Canada and Mrs. Badenoch only corroborates my assertions.”
The former Vice President urged Nigerians “all over the world to note that global leaders acknowledge that we are hardworking people, with a community spirit that we take wherever we go.”
He added: “Nigerian youths are not lazy as is shown from these appointments, and I look forward to the day that we can show by our youth representation in Nigeria’s government, that they are as appreciated at home as they are abroad.”
