Prof. Chidiebere Ogbu is the Chairman of the African Diaspora Union (AFRIDU), 6th Region, South Africa.
In this interview, the don reveals to Clement Adeyi, the union’s efforts to secure citizenship rights for African diasporas and victims of the Transatlantic slave trade forcefully taken from the continent over 400 years ago.
What special legacy gives your union a concern and what efforts is it making to achieve it?
Everyone familiar with our organization, AFRIDU, knows that President Bola Tinubu, last year, directed us to collaborate with NIDCOM because of the cause we are pursuing. As part of this, AFRIDU has submitted a bill titled The African Citizens and African Descendants Citizenship Bill to the Senate and the National Assembly.
The bill seeks to restore citizenship rights to historic African diasporas and descendants of the Transatlantic slave trade who were forcefully taken away over 400 to 500 years ago. These individuals, commonly referred to as Black Americans, Black Europeans, Caribbeans, among others, never renounced or forfeited their ancestral citizenship. This bill is for them. It has already passed its first reading.
We participated in the public hearing during the constitutional review process and will continue to push for its passage. What should have been done 50 years ago was neglected. But this is our moment. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and others did what they could in their time. For us, it’s now or never.
What is your organization doing to support the leadership of the country in the quest for socioeconomic development?
To be honest, I don’t believe the current hardship is entirely the fault of Nigeria’s leadership. I foresee that the situation may even worsen with future governments unless we address the deeper issues. The real problem is that the former colonial powers, the same players, are still in control of Africa’s economy.
So, even if Nigerian leaders do their best, that effort will never be enough until we understand that the root of the challenge lies in continued foreign control. The US, UK, France, these are the same powers still pulling the strings behind the scenes.
You can recognize their influence in global politics. To them, it’s all a game of power and control. That’s why, ahead of every major election, you see Nigerian politicians rushing to the UK to seek approval. If you’re not endorsed, you’re out. It’s a cartel, plain and simple.
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