AFRIDU seeks citizenship waiver for African slave trade victims’ descendants

The African Diaspora Union (AFRIDU) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant citizenship waivers for African descendants of victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade under reparative justice.

The President of AFRIDU, Archbishop Prof. Chidiebere Anelechi Ogbu, made the appeal during a strategic meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Monday in Abuja.

AFRIDU aims to bring closure to decades of struggle, conferences, and summits among African descendants in the diaspora, seeking restoration and reparative justice for those forcibly removed from their homelands through conspiracy, kidnapping, coercion, and subsequent loss of citizenship and inheritance rights.

In further remarks, he noted that despite Ghana declaring 2019 as the “Year of Return” for African descendants from the United States and the Caribbean, their expectations were not fully met, with similar efforts from other African countries falling short.

He emphasised that this is a historic opportunity for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish his legacy by utilising his Presidential Exclusive Rights to grant citizenship waivers to African descendants identifying with Nigeria.

This gesture, especially targeted at African diaspora experts, investors, professionals, scientists, entertainers, academia, and individuals with diverse skills, would significantly boost Nigeria’s economy and garner global attention.

“The First Lady of the Federal Republic will host World Eminent Black Women at the event for a lunch or dinner.”

“For the first time, Nigeria has a First Lady with extensive experience as a Senator of the Federal Republic. This unique opportunity should be leveraged to bolster Nigeria’s economy by bringing together eminent and resourceful black women from all continents.

“With the global focus on Nigeria during the International Gathering in Honour of the Africans in Diaspora 6th Region this October, hosting such women to a lunch or dinner will catalyse investment and other positive developments in Nigeria.”

“As part of AFRIDU’s resolution to promote Africa and embrace African patriots, we advocate using quotes from African leaders and scholars rather than colonialist or Western quotations. Africa has historically neglected to honour its leaders and lacks experience in marketing its leadership.”

“This is an opportunity for the President to convene African leaders and demonstrate Nigeria’s strength as a leader among African nations, honouring those who fought for and achieved independence.

“It’s a unifying moment for Africa, enhancing Nigeria’s global respect and the president’s stature. The ‘African Twelve Apostles’ will resonate globally, sparking interest in African history worldwide.”

Meanwhile, in response, the Chairman of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa, addressed the issue of citizenship rights for African descendants, noting it’s a matter governed by Nigeria’s constitution.

She expressed NiDCOM’s collaboration with AFRIDU and the Ministry of Interior on immigration matters, highlighting that ultimate decisions rest with the Nigerian parliament on constitutional issues like this.

“I assure you of the Nigerian Government’s commitment to the welfare of African descendants globally, including supporting Africa’s economic development through initiatives like the Global Africa Economic Investment Summit.”

“The Nigerian Government will foster an enabling environment, making it the world’s best place to invest due to its abundant human and natural resources.”

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