It is often said that time heals wounds, but history has shown us that time also demands accountability. After decades of evasion, former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has finally nurtured his wounded conscience with the truth regarding the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. 

Just as Uthman Dan Fodio once recommended that “conscience is an open wound, only truth can heal it,” the former military president has finally tended to his wounded conscience by admitting the truth about the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election in his book. For decades, the ghost of that historic injustice has haunted Nigeria’s democratic journey, but by coming clean, IBB has, at least, acknowledged the weight of his actions. While his confession does not erase the past, it aligns with Dan Fodio’s wisdom, which says only truth has the power to bring closure to history’s most painful wounds.

Though his somewhat confession has come late, long after many key players in that unfortunate monkeyshines have passed on, it still holds significance for the sake of posterity.

For years, Nigerians have yearned for an honest acknowledgment of the circumstances surrounding the annulment of what is still widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election. The event that denied Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola his legitimate mandate remains a dark stain on our democratic journey. The excuses and justifications provided over the years never satisfied the thirst for truth. Now, IBB’s belated confession, though not a complete absolution of his role, serves as a historical document that at least gives Nigerians some clarity.

The question on the lips of many Nigerians is: “Why now?” “Why did IBB choose to reveal his truth at a time when the principal victims of his actions are no longer alive to react?” MKO Abiola, the man whose mandate was stolen, died under suspicious circumstances while still demanding justice. His wife, Kudirat Abiola, was assassinated in the course of the struggle. Other activists and journalists who fought relentlessly for the reversal of the annulment either suffered exile, imprisonment, or lost their lives. The Nigerian people endured political repression, economic hardship, and a prolonged transition to democracy. The confession, though welcomed, is coming at a time when justice can no longer be served to those directly affected.

Yet, it is better late than never. By admitting the truth, IBB has at least given Nigerians something tangible to hold onto. The significance of this confession cannot be overlooked. It reinforces the fact that Nigeria’s democratic struggle was not in vain. It also serves as a reminder that no matter how long it takes, the truth has a way of emerging. For those who doubted the sincerity of the opposition to the annulment, this confession is a validation that history had judged rightly.

In fact, IBB’s public acknowledgment should serve as a moral benchmark for others who have, at different political dispensations, contributed to Nigeria’s downfall. Nigeria has suffered repeated betrayals from individuals entrusted with power and responsibility. From electoral manipulations to corruption and governance failures, the country has been plagued by leaders who, like IBB, made self-serving decisions at the expense of the people.

Where are those who orchestrated the economic policies that plunged millions into poverty? Where are the architects of failed government programs that siphoned public funds while leaving citizens in suffering? Where are the political leaders who used ethnic and religious divisions to gain power, only to abandon the people when it mattered most? These individuals, like IBB, owe Nigerians the truth.

Confession is not just about admitting wrongdoing; it is about setting the record straight and giving future generations the opportunity to learn from past mistakes. Those who have played key roles in Nigeria’s political and economic sabotage should follow IBB’s example and admit their misdeeds. This is not about public shaming but about fostering a culture of answerability. Nigeria cannot move forward if its history remains shrouded in lies and deliberate misinformation.

Without a doubt, there is an urgent need for institutional truth-telling. Many countries that have suffered similar political betrayals have implemented truth and reconciliation commissions. South Africa’s post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission provided a platform for perpetrators of political crimes to confess their actions and seek forgiveness. Nigeria has never had such a structured approach to addressing its past.

Imagine a situation where past military rulers, corrupt politicians, and economic saboteurs come forward to acknowledge their wrongdoings. Imagine how much healing it would bring if those who orchestrated electoral frauds admitted their roles and sought national forgiveness. Such a process would not erase the damage done, but it would give Nigeria a stronger foundation for moving forward.

In fact, IBB’s confession has reignited discussions on the role of citizens in holding leaders accountable. While it is easy to blame those in power, Nigerians must also reflect on how they have enabled unpatriotic leadership. Too often, the electorate has been complicit in electing or tolerating corrupt politicians. The culture of political sycophancy, where individuals support leaders based on ethnic or religious affiliations rather than competence, has been detrimental to the nation’s progress.

The lessons from June 12 should go beyond IBB’s confession. Nigerians must demand better governance, transparency, and integrity from their leaders. If we do not hold our leaders accountable, history will continue to repeat itself. Confessions are useful, but they should lead to systemic change.

Beyond individual confessions, Nigeria must explore avenues for restorative justice. While some might argue that IBB’s confession is enough, others believe that justice must go beyond mere words. Should there be reparations for the damage caused by the annulment of June 12? Should there be legal consequences for historical political crimes? These are tough but necessary questions that Nigerians must begin to ask.

Furthermore, the government should take steps to formally document the history of June 12 in school curricula, civic education, and national discourse. We must not allow future generations to be misinformed or manipulated about the true events of the past. If we are to build a stronger democracy, we must learn from our past mistakes and ensure that the mistakes of history are never repeated.

IBB’s delayed confession about the June 12 annulment is not enough to erase the pain and damage caused, but it is still a step in the right direction. It is an acknowledgment that the Nigerian people were wronged, and that truth, no matter how long it takes, will always surface. Other political actors who have betrayed Nigeria in one way or another should take a cue from IBB and come forward with their own confessions.

For the sake of posterity, Nigeria must embrace truth as a necessary component of nation-building. Without honesty about our past, we cannot chart a clear course for the future. As we remember June 12 and its significance, let us also remember that democracy thrives on accountability. The journey to a better Nigeria begins with a commitment to truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. The time for silence and denial is over, Nigeria deserves the truth, and it deserves it now.

The chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr Tony Elumelu, has stated that Nigeria needed increased oil production to fund the country’s economic diversification and development.

Elumelu stated this on Thursday at the Nigeria Petroleum Industry Leadership Discourse in Abuja, highlighting the crucial role of oil revenues in driving industrialisation, energy security, and infrastructural growth.

The discourse, themed “Nigeria’s Oil Production Growth Roadmap: Acceleration Imperatives”, was convened under the umbrella of Heirs Energies, a subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, to bring together industry stakeholders and policymakers to strategise on expanding oil production.

Elumelu, who also serves as the chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Transcorp Group, emphasised that while there is a global dialogue about energy transition, Africa’s foremost concern should be energy security.

He highlighted the necessity for substantial investment in oil and gas to fuel industries, support businesses, and guarantee electricity access for both homes and enterprises.

While acknowledging the growth in oil production under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, he noted that Nigeria was still underperforming compared to its OPEC quota.

“You know, under Buhari’s administration, we dropped less than 1 million barrels. We are happy that under the current administration, in general, we produce 1.8 million barrels of oil a day. But we are not satisfied with that figure.

“We want to take it to over 2 million. Because we know that we need oil money to diversify Nigeria away from oil. And we need to have the money to help develop our country,” he said.

Elumelu also emphasised the significance of boosting oil production to generate foreign exchange, stabilize the naira, and enhance national security.

He noted that boosting crude oil output would provide the financial resources required for industrialisation and infrastructure development, particularly in sectors such as power generation and manufacturing.

As vhairman of Transcorp Group, Elumelu revealed that Transcorp Power, Nigeria’s leading power generation company, currently has a capacity of 2,000 megawatts but is unable to operate at full capacity due to gas supply constraints.

Elumelu also called for stronger collaboration between government, industry players, and investors to achieve the target of increasing oil production to 2.5–2.7 million barrels per day.

He noted that the policy reforms and executive orders signed by President Tinubu in the past 12 months have improved investor confidence, security, and the overall business climate in the oil sector.

Elumelu disclosed that when Heirs Energies acquired OML 17 from Shell, production was 21,000 barrels per day. It has since risen to 53,000 barrels per day, and the company aims for 100,000 barrels per day.

Elumelu expressed his belief that Nigeria could exceed 2 million barrels per day if all stakeholders work together on production expansion, infrastructure improvement, and security of oil facilities.

While Heirs Energies plans to integrate downstream operations in the future, its primary focus remains on increasing crude oil production. Access to this raw material facilitates the transition to refining, fertilizers, and petrochemicals.

[Leadership]

The reigning African Footballer of the Year and Atalanta FC of Italy forward, Ademola Lookman, will now look to dethrone the incumbent holder, Victor Osimhen, for the highest honour of Nigeria Pitch Awards.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards on Thursday at the Bon Hotels, Sobo Arobiodu, Ikeja, unveiled the nominees for the 2025 edition of the awards which has 18 categories.

In the highest category of the Pitch Awards, which is “The King of the Pitch”, Super Eagles striker, Osimhen, will face a stiff competition from his compatriot, Lookman, who was recently crowned as the “African Footballer of the Year”.

Osimhen, the Galatasaray FC of Turkey hitman, is the current holder of the “King of the Pitch” award.

The Super Eagles forward, Osimhen, had made history at the 10th anniversary in 2024 by winning both the “Striker of the Year” and “King of the Pitch” awards for the third consecutive year at the 2024 edition.

Osimhen’s achievement at the 10th anniversary of the Nigeria Pitch Awards made him the first player in the history of the awards to secure a three times King of the Pitch in a row.

For the 2025 edition, Osimhen is expected to face a strong opposition from the the stand-in captain of the Super Eagles, Williams Troost Ekong.

Shina Phillips, the organiser of the awards, said on Thursday that the awards would not let down its guard in protecting the integrity and transparency of the award.

In the ceremony, the Director of Communication, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajide reeled out the list of the nominees had been picked in all 18 award categories.

The award categories include Goalkeeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Striker of the Year, Queen of the Pitch, King of the Pitch, Sam Okwaraji Award, Football Pitch, Football-Friendly Governor, Corporate Sponsor, alongside several honours for media representatives.

For the Goalkeeper of the Year: Maduka Okoye (Undize Italy); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa) and Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria) got the nominations

Defender of the Year: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest England) and Williams Troost Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)

Midfielder of the Year: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England) and Frank Onyeka (FC Augsburg Germany)

Striker of the Year: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany) and Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy).

Team of the Year: Rangers International FC; Edo Queens FC and Remo Stars.

Coach of the Year: Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars); Moses Adukwu (Edo Queens FC); Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers International FC).

Sam Okwaraji Award: Segun Odegbami former Green Eagles captain; Ahmed Musa; Kunle Soname (Proprietor, Remo Stars).

State With The Best Grassroots Football Development Programme: Edo State; Delta State; Lagos State

Football Pitch of the Year: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos; Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne; Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo

Football-Friendly Governor of the Year: His Excellency Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State); His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State); His Excellency Godwin Obaseki (former Governor of Edo State)

Corporate Sponsor of Football: Bet9ja (Sport Betting); GTI (Financial Services); MTN (Telecom)

Sportsmanship Award: Hon. Kunle Soname (Proprietor, Remo Stars); George Aluo (Chairman, Nigeria National League (NNL)); Ahmed Musa (Super Eagles captain).

Football Journalist of the Year (Print): Charles Diya (New Telegraph); Johnny Edward (The Nation Newspapers); Abiodun Adewale (Punch).

Football Journalist of the Year (TV): Mozez Praiz (SuperSport); Cecilia Omorogbe (Channels TV); Blessing Nwosu (Silverbird TV).

Football Journalist of the Year (Radio): Olawale Adigun (Mainland FM); Micheal Obasi (Bond FM); Chima Nnoli (Nija Info FM)

Football Journalist of the Year (Online): Niyi Busari (BSN Sports); Samuel Ahmadu; Kunle Solaja (Sportsville).

Queen of the Pitch: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico de Madrid Femenino Spain); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC U.S)

King of the Pitch: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray SC, Turkey); Wlliams Troost Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia).

(NAN)

The draw for this season’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 has been conducted on Friday.

Current holders Real Madrid will take on rivals Atletico Madrid in the pick of the bunch.

There will also be an all-Bundesliga clash between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

Arsenal have been paired against PSV, while Liverpool take on Paris Saint-Germain.

The ties for the round of 16 will be played on during the weeks of March 4 and March 5.

The return legs are scheduled for March 11 and March 12.

FULL FIXTURES:

Club Brugge vs Aston Villa

Borussia Dortmund vs Lille

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen

PSV vs Arsenal

Feyenoord vs Inter Milan

PSG vs Liverpool

Benfica vs Barcelona

[DailyPost]

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved  the promotion of 38 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP) to the next rank of Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP). 

The Commission also elevated 100 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSP) to Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP). 

The Commission took the decision Thursday at the continuation of its extraordinary Plenary Meeting holding  at its Corporate Headquarters in Jabi Abuja and presided over by Its Chairman, DIG. Hashimu Argungu rtd. 

The meeting was also attended by Justice  Adamu Paul Galmuje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Commissioner representing the Judiciary; DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd,  Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani Secretary to the Commission. 

The new Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) are: Emmanuel  Deenom,  Olufemi Takeet, yusuf Doki Sani, Joseph  Habakkuk Anche, Faruku Umaru, Danladi Daura, Benedict  Omotomilola Olomo,  Bernard Adedayo Ojewale, Aminudeen Mohammed, Mohammed lawal  Bello, and  Mohammed sabo Haladu.

Others are:  Baba Gana  Saje,  Maman Bello Tambuwal Abubakar  Bello Mustapha, Haruna Adamu, Uzairu Abdullahi, Dashuwar Tepnyakas,  Braide Elekima,  Usman Garik,  Musa Abdullahi, Kabiru Salisu,  Uchenna Ani, Innocent  Oguejiofor Umuerie Mathew  Obiuwevbi, Gabriel Odiaka Dibie and  Olufemi  Olabanji Kayode, State CID, Osogbo,  Osun State Command. 

Ikenna Kenneth Ezeani, Force Secretary’s Office  Afolaranmi Omotayo, Ibrahim Yidi, Isyaku Usman, Rasaq Abdulsalam, Olajide Agboola, Chioma Onwukaike, Abayomi Agbana, Ibrahim Miringa Musa, Umar  Sokoto Abubakar,  James Ekanem Usen and Dauda Buba Fika were the other Assistant Commissioners promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioners. 

Some of the Chief Superintendents of Police who were promoted to Assistant Commissioners are: Ibrahim Mohammed  Agava, Akinloye Joseph  Oyegade, Rilwanu Mohammed  Dutse, Ibrahim  Aliyu Jauro,  Abdulmajid Isah, Fidelity Lohya Labong, Anthony Olusola Ojo, Ibrahim Muktar, Abdulrahaman  Idris and Aminu Hamza.

Also promoted Assistant Commissioners are; Clement  Ugochukwu Ezejiofor,  Peter  Obiyo Ihechere,  Benjamin  Chidozie Egbu, Joy Ugo Elemoke, Mansur Mahmud Tafida, Area Command  Ido Osi, Ekiti State, Mohammed  Ibrahim second in Command Zonal CID Zone 3, Yola, Jude Ohaja, State CID, Awka, and Chinyere Ajuolachi Akalaga,  DPO, Lokogoma, FCT.

Godfrey  Ogbeide Victor, former DPO Utako, FCT, and now Commander Scorpion Squad Abbattoir, FCT, Banawi  Ishiaku, DPO  Otu Jeremi, Ughelli  South, Delta State, Abbas Abubakar,  DPO Ikot Abasi Akwa Ibom and Celestine Tochukwu Umeh were  also promoted to the next rank of Assistant Commissioners  amongst others.

According to a statement on Friday by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, PSC Chairman said the Commission will continue to be faithful in granting deserving Police Officers their due promotion. 

He however advised that they should reciprocate Commission’s faithfulness by rededicating themselves to the service of our country.

Argungu said the Commission expect that the war against insurgency and banditry should be given the required attention.

[TheNation]

The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, has criticised Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over a dispute concerning her seating arrangement in the chamber.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party, had on Thursday refused to use the seat assigned to her, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which protects members’ privileges.

The dispute arose after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned due to a reshuffle triggered by opposition members switching to the majority wing.

However, she resisted the relocation.

In defiance, the Kogi senator spoke out loudly, accusing the leadership of attempting to silence her.

“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” she declared.

During the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on security to remove her from the chamber, but intervention from fellow lawmakers prevented further escalation.

Reacting to the incident in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Adaramodu said the Senate was not a platform for entertainment.

“What we are saying is that the National Assembly is not for content creation in entertainment. National Assembly is for serious business,” he said.

Addressing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim of being sidelined, Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South, said she had already been appointed chairperson of three committees, including Foreign Affairs and NGOs.

“If she is talking like that being bullied or sidelined, as a first-timer, she even had three committees that she was appointed as chairman.

“You are entitled to only committee to be the chairman and she is in charge of Foreign Affairs, NGOs now,” the Senate spokesman said.

When asked about possible disciplinary action, he noted that her Kogi colleague, Senator Isah Jubril, had apologised on her behalf.

“The Senate as a whole has already accepted that tendered apology, so we are not going to revisit that,” Adaramodu stated.

[Punch]

The Africa Union, AU, 38th Summit from February 15-16, 2025 promised to be challenging as the body had to elect a new Chairperson for the African Union Commission, AUC, which is its engine room. The Commission is the AU Secretariat and its Chair, its chief executive officer.

In the last eight years, that seat had been occupied by Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat who seemed to have been sleeping on duty. His country, Chad, was under the French orbit, and Faki, as Chadian Foreign Minister, and then President Idris Deby, carried out questionable activities in the Central African Republic. This led to Chadian troops fleeing that country in 2014.

 When on April 20, 2021, there was a coup in Chad by current Head of State, General Mahamat Deby, Faki, as AUC Chair, refused to apply the organisation’s ‘Lome Declaration’ on unconstitutional change of government. 

Faki was not particularly trusted, especially after he had smuggled Israel into the February, 2023 AU Heads of State Summit. This was detected and angry African countries led by South Africa got the Israeli mole, Ambassador Sharon Bar-li, walked out of the Summit after her accreditation and access badges were seized by the AU security.

So, for Africa, this Summit was an opportunity to rebuild, and the best place to begin was to elect a credible person to replace Faki. There were three main candidates.

Madagascar presented Richard Randriamandrato, its former Foreign Minister and later Minister of Economy and Finance. He had worked in the AU and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, COMESA, where he served for ten years. He did not appear to carry much weight and was clearly the least favoured.

Djibouti’s candidate was Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, who has been Foreign Minister since 2005. He had been educated in Djibouti, United Kingdom, France and Canada and served as Ambassador to Egypt before being Foreign Minister. He had previously served as both the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OIC. He had been Foreign Minister for two decades; it meant he had practically attended all Organisation of African Union, OAU/AU, Summits in the last 20 years.

The fact that Djibouti with a population of less than one million and a total land size of 23,200 square kilometres is one of the smallest countries in Africa, was not a disadvantage. In fact, it fits into the dream of the founding fathers of the OAU/AU, which is to give small countries greater say in the organisation. This is in line with the Constitutive Act of the AU which states that: “The Organization is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members.” So, to the AU, one way of ensuring equality between Seychelles with a population of about 100,000 people, and Nigeria with a 230 million population, is to cede leadership to small countries.

In line with this principle, since 1964, all the eleven elected chief executive officers of the OAU/AU except for South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, were from countries considered small. These were Diallo Telli, Guinea; Nzo Ekangaki and William Eteki, Cameroun; Edem Kojo, Togo; Ide Oumarou, Niger; Salim Salim, Tanzania; Amara Essy, Cote d’ Voire; Alpha Oumar Konaré, Mali; Jean Ping, Gabon and Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chad.

 Except South Africa, 2012-2017, those from the big countries like Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco and Algeria were never considered. The Ethiopian, Kifle Wodajo, 1963-64, and the Nigerian, Peter Onu, 1983-1985 occupied those offices in acting capacity.

To me, my main concern about Djibouti is that it is like a ball played around by the big powers. Four countries have military bases in that tiny country. China has in the Port of Doraleh, Western Djibouti; in the Southern part, the United States has its base in Camp Lemonnier; the French, in Base Aerienne 188 and, even Japan without a conventional military has its Japan Self-Defence Force Base in Djibouti.

The big fish was Raila Amolo Odinga, a famous African figure who had been Kenyan Prime Minister for five years from 2008. He is the son of famous African Pan Africanist, Jeramogi Oginga Odinga.

Odinga had support amongst the big boys and in the first round of voting, Kenya had 20 votes, Djiboiti 18, Madagascar 10 with one abstention. In the second, Kenya had two more votes and Djibouti one. But in the third round, Kenya dropped to 20 votes while Djibuoti led with 23 votes and Madagascar maintained its bottom position with five votes. At this point, Madagascar dropped out and Djibouti maintained its lead into the seventh round where it won with 33 votes.

A possible reason for Djibouti’s victory is that after Madagascar dropped out, the French-speaking bloc might have consolidated its votes in the Djibouti vote basket. Also, the age difference between an 80-year-old Odinga, and a 59-year-old Youssouf might have counted in the latter’s favour. Again, some consider Odinga a bit brash and too assertive.

Not unexpectedly, the big countries took a the next big seats. Selma Malika Haddadi was elected the Deputy Chairperson. The 47-year-old is the Algerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, its Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, UNECA.

In line with the AU gender principle that if the elected AUC Chair is male, the Deputy Chairperson must be female and vice versa, only females remained in the Deputy Chair race. The Algerian had to gallop past Morocco’s Ms. Latifah Akharbach, Egypt’s Ms. Hanan Morsy and Ms Najat Elhajjaji of Libya.

Nigeria, the ‘Giant of Africa’ through Ambassador Bankole Adeoye retained the powerful position of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, PAPS, Commissioner.

South Africa’s Ms Lerato Mataboge, took the Infrastructure and Energy seat, Eswatini’s Mr. Moses Vilakati took that of Agriculture and, Ghana’s Ambassador Amma Twum-Amoah became Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social development Commissioner.

It is difficult to say at this point if Africa has a strong enough team to move it forward. There is also the argument whether Political Affairs and Peace and Security, should remained merged or surgically separated.

The theme of the AU 2025 Summit was “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”

Reparations is an old struggle and for Africa to make any headway, the AU needs to team up with African American support groups and the 15-member countries of the Caribbean Community, CARICOM. It needs to link whatever programme it is working on with the CARICOM ‘Ten Point Plan for Reparatory Justice.’ On a practical level, this will include building “bridges of belonging” between Africa and the Caribbean and, allowing those in the Diaspora who want to return to Mother Africa, to do so freely.