“In 2008, Libya demanded compensation from Italy for its
colonization. The whole world thought it was a joke! How
would a third world country dare to request to be
compensated? Even if the compensation was for invasion
of its territory, humiliation of people through slavery,
torture, and stealing of its natural resources and heritage?
“Before our very eyes, Libya got Italy to its knees. Italy
signed an agreement with Libya. Italy admitted that its
colonization was wrong and will never be repeated. Italy
promised not to attack the Libyan territory by land, air, or
sea. Italy also agreed to provide Libya with $250 million a
year in compensation over a duration of 20 years, and to
build hospitals for the Libyan people. Italy, which was a
kingdom during the Fascist regime and made rich
contributions to civilsation, should be commended for this
achievement.
“What of Nigeria? It’s been over 50 years since Great
Britain willingly returned sovereignty to the people of
Nigeria, thus granting us independence. Yet, the Federal
Government of Nigeria have not deemed it fit to demand
compensation. No compensation from a country which
invaded our territory. Britain stole about 90% of our
artifacts, usurped our mineral resources, forced our men
and women into labour and slavery. Britain humiliated us
by subjecting and reducing us into mere second class-
citizens in our own land, polluting, and relegating our
cultural values to the background.
“The time is ripe for Nigeria to follow in Libya’s footsteps.
It’s time, as a matter of utmost national importance, to
seek compensation duly from the British government.
“Why would a third world country demand compensation?
So that there will be no more colonization. So that large
and powerful countries will not colonize, knowing that they
will have to pay compensation. Those countries that
harmed other peoples during the colonial era should pay
compensation for the damages and sufferings they’ve
inflicted.
“What Africa needs is compensation, not aid. We should not
be seen as poor and beggars. The ‘super powers’ came to
Africa to steal our heritage. They stole our values and our
freedom. They subjected us to mental and physical slavery
and torture. They stole our gold and other mineral
resources, and now they call us poor? No, we aren’t poor.
They are the ones who made us poor in the first place.
Now it is time for us to demand that all that was stolen
and unlawfully taken from us be returned without further
delay.
“Nigeria does not need aid from Britain or any other ‘super
power’. What we need is due compensation.”
The colonial period in Nigeria lasted from 1900 to 1960. In
1900, Southern and Northern Nigeria Protectorates were
formed. 14 years later, the two protectorates were unified
into the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. Nigeria gained
independence on October 1, 1960.
colonization. The whole world thought it was a joke! How
would a third world country dare to request to be
compensated? Even if the compensation was for invasion
of its territory, humiliation of people through slavery,
torture, and stealing of its natural resources and heritage?
“Before our very eyes, Libya got Italy to its knees. Italy
signed an agreement with Libya. Italy admitted that its
colonization was wrong and will never be repeated. Italy
promised not to attack the Libyan territory by land, air, or
sea. Italy also agreed to provide Libya with $250 million a
year in compensation over a duration of 20 years, and to
build hospitals for the Libyan people. Italy, which was a
kingdom during the Fascist regime and made rich
contributions to civilsation, should be commended for this
achievement.
“What of Nigeria? It’s been over 50 years since Great
Britain willingly returned sovereignty to the people of
Nigeria, thus granting us independence. Yet, the Federal
Government of Nigeria have not deemed it fit to demand
compensation. No compensation from a country which
invaded our territory. Britain stole about 90% of our
artifacts, usurped our mineral resources, forced our men
and women into labour and slavery. Britain humiliated us
by subjecting and reducing us into mere second class-
citizens in our own land, polluting, and relegating our
cultural values to the background.
“The time is ripe for Nigeria to follow in Libya’s footsteps.
It’s time, as a matter of utmost national importance, to
seek compensation duly from the British government.
“Why would a third world country demand compensation?
So that there will be no more colonization. So that large
and powerful countries will not colonize, knowing that they
will have to pay compensation. Those countries that
harmed other peoples during the colonial era should pay
compensation for the damages and sufferings they’ve
inflicted.
“What Africa needs is compensation, not aid. We should not
be seen as poor and beggars. The ‘super powers’ came to
Africa to steal our heritage. They stole our values and our
freedom. They subjected us to mental and physical slavery
and torture. They stole our gold and other mineral
resources, and now they call us poor? No, we aren’t poor.
They are the ones who made us poor in the first place.
Now it is time for us to demand that all that was stolen
and unlawfully taken from us be returned without further
delay.
“Nigeria does not need aid from Britain or any other ‘super
power’. What we need is due compensation.”
The colonial period in Nigeria lasted from 1900 to 1960. In
1900, Southern and Northern Nigeria Protectorates were
formed. 14 years later, the two protectorates were unified
into the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. Nigeria gained
independence on October 1, 1960.
posted from Bloggeroid
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