Senator representing Delta North senatorial district, Ned Nwoko, has taken a bold stance on rectifying historical injustices by demanding a comprehensive framework for reparations and a formal apology from former colonial powers to African nations, particularly Nigeria.
In his call, he specified the need for reparations amounting to at least $5 trillion dollars, emphasizing that this initiative should be viewed as a means of healing and restoration rather than vengeance.
Nwoko’s appeal was articulated during a recent address, where he asserted, “We must establish a comprehensive framework for reparations to assess the damages inflicted by centuries of injustice.” He went on to stress that the call for reparations isn’t simply a symbolic gesture but a genuine effort to address the far-reaching consequences of historical wrongs.
Central to Nwoko’s proposition was the demand for former colonial powers, notably Britain, to acknowledge the severe repercussions of their actions on African nations and apologize unequivocally. He urged these nations to recognize the specific atrocities committed during the colonial era and their subsequent impact on diverse African peoples and territories.
The philanthropist’s plea extended beyond mere financial compensation. He underscored the necessity for colonial powers to actively contribute to the development of African nations that have been grappling with the aftermath of exploitation. This investment, he proposed, should encompass areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
Furthermore, Nwoko highlighted the significance of repatriating culturally important artifacts that were unlawfully taken from the African continent during colonial times. He praised the few instances of returned artifacts to the Benin Kingdom but emphasized that true justice requires the complete restoration of these items to their rightful origins.
Senator Nwoko’s appeal stands as a rallying cry for acknowledgment, redress, and reconciliation. His call for tangible reparations, coupled with a sincere apology, aims to pave the way for healing the wounds of the past and forging a more equitable future for African nations, particularly those that have borne the brunt of historical injustices.
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See his full statement
“I call for reparations of at least $5 trillion dollars, not as an act of vengeance, but a pathway to healing and restoration. We must establish a comprehensive framework for reparations to assess the damages inflicted by centuries of injustice.”
“I call upon former colonial masters and the International Community to acknowledge the grave consequences of these historical injustices on African nations, especially Nigeria, and expressly apologize to the countries and peoples of the continent.”
“Britain and other colonial powers must eventually address the specific wrongdoings and blatant rape of Africa’s peoples and exploitation of their resources.
“It is not enough to issue blanket statements as tokens to assuage their conscience (s). It would entail addressing the specific atrocities visited on the diverse peoples of the continent and implementing the regimes of reparations commensurate with the damage done to each African territory and its people.
“It would be imperative for the colonial powers to rethink and adjust the dynamics of their relationship with African territories that still struggle with the aftereffects of their atrocities.
“I beseech former colonial masters to invest in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment within African nations, especially those that have endured exploitation.
“I also urge the reparation of culturally significant artifacts taken from the African continent during the colonial period. In recent years, there have been a few instances of selective return of stolen artifacts to the Benin Kingdom. However, what justice demands is a wholesome restoration of these items to the peoples and places from which they forcefully and illegally removed them.