By Kayode Araba
Thus, the. Nigerian Senate Committee on
Reparations and Repatriations, chaired by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, has a solemn and historic mandate to address centuries-old injustices related to slavery and colonialism, including the return of looted cultural artefacts and heritage materials taken during colonial conquests or illicit trade.
However, this committee’s work is structured, evidence-based, and far-reaching, aiming not only to address cultural and historical matters but also to cover various sectors affected by historical injustices in the country.
Moreso, Senator Ned Nwoko said his committee is committed to collating credible evidence of wrongdoing by individuals, states, corporations, and institutions, both past and present, with the goal of addressing systemic injustices that have marginalized groups within Nigeria and the African diaspora.
He further alluded to the fact that, the work before them is not symbolic or ceremonial is a structural evidence-based, and far-reaching. We are empowered to investigate local and international injustices past and ongoing and make concrete recommendations for compensation and redress.
Senator Ned said it seeks to establish dialogical frameworks and propose legal and policy templates aligned with national and international laws, collaborating with experts in law, history, anthropology, economics, and diplomacy. This was revealed to the news men immediate after the meeting with relevant stakeholders
Ned also noted that the committee also plans to engage local and international stakeholders through dialogue, diplomacy, and policy development to facilitate the return of cultural assets looted during colonialism and slavery.
And he mentioned Niger Delta oil degradation, extrajudicial killings, lead poisoning in Zamfara, and incidents such as Daki Biyu demolitions, the Chairman declared there are “no-go areas” for the Committee except cases currently under active judicial consideration.
