By Julius Oweh
At the zenith of colonial exploitation of Africa, a British scholar dripping with arrogance and false sense of racial superiority said that a great nation is known by the colonies she acquired. Irked by the statement, Vladimir Lenin, a leading communist light replied that colonialism was the highest and worst form of capitalism. The European nations believed that Africa could be balkanized in their spheres of influence at the Berlin conference.
Apart from exploiting the resources of Africa, there was outright stealing of artifacts and gold in Africa. Some of such art works are still domiciled in European museums. The British expedition to Benin kingdom not only led to the sack of the Oba, invaluable works of arts were carted away.
Some Nigerian historians maintain that the level of poverty in the continent could be traced to the pillaging of Africa by the marauding invaders. MKO Abiola, the flamboyant politician and philanthropist, the winner of the 1993 annulled presidential election was in the forefront for reparations and compensation to Africa by the European nations.
Today, a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is in the forefront in the campaign for reparations and repatriations to Africa. Senator Ned Nwoko as the chairman of the Senate committee on reparations and repatriations is scout ready to fight so that the injustice of the past years to Africa can be corrected.
Recently the committee met in Abuja and these are some of the terms of reference. That it has been saddled with a significant mandate, including investigating historical wrongs done to communities and individuals across Nigeria and recommending appropriate reparations.
Another mandate is the repatriation of cultural artifacts that were stolen from Nigeria and are currently held in foreign countries.
Speaking at the meeting of the committee, Senator Nwoko expressed confidence in the members of the committee, adding that with their wealth of experience, the committee would succeed.
Listen to the distinguished senator: ‘There is no doubt in my mind therefore that the committee will deliver on its core mandates with significance and high level of success.
“It is on this note that I seek your unhindered cooperation and understanding as we navigate the water of this very important committee.’
Nwoko further explained that when necessary, the committee would pursue legal redress through international courts to ensure that justice is served. For the senator representing Delta North, as an international lawyer of repute, he is in his elements as regards international law practice.
He also maintained that his committee shall not be a solo effort. That the committee would collaborate with traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and international partners, including the United Nations and the African Union.
This is a tall order and that the European nations would not gladly agree to the demands for reparations. Unlike MKO Abiola campaign of reparations, Senator Nwoko’s committee has the support of the federal government.
It is now left for the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek the support and understanding of the African Union so that those who exploited Africa and stole her artifacts should not only pay reparations and repatriations, an apology should be extracted from them.
This is what Ned Nwoko and his senate committee want to achieve for Nigerians and indeed the rest of African nations. The truth must be told, colonialism was a nightmarish experience that beggared the continent development and progress.
– Julius Oweh is the Publisher/Editor in CEditor-in-Chiefews
