Historically, the area know as the Niger Delta has been reckoned to be a landmark in the history of Nigeria and her foreign relations. This is predicated upon the believe that the presence of the Europeans was first welcomed at the coasts of Africa, specially Nigeria, and these coastal areas are what is known now as Niger Delta Area. The area is endowed with inexhaustible mineral resources
[Source: google]
Since the discovery of oil in the Niger Delta areas of Nigeria, there has been an alarming increase in the incidence of communal conflict in the area.
[source: google]
In most cases, these conflicts gravitate upwards resulting in full-blown wars, leaving an immeasurable number of human and whole village casualties
[source: google]
The irony in this lies in the fact that these conflicting parties are neighboring communities whose egoistic-realism are often fuelled by the manner of oil and gas exploitation, and policies of the government, amongst other factors.
Furthermore, the responses of government and industry agents to community agitation and protests have been designed to mute and forestall any form of opposition by manipulating filial ties to precipitate discord among indigenous people of these communities. In fact, skirmishes often suffice between and within community members in concert with the government and oil companies to the utter neglect and dissatisfaction of the communities involved.
This ia explicable in the case of Rumuekpe community in Rivers State, Nigeria, where a mere leadership tussle in the Youth Association culminated in the loss of human lives and massive population displacement because it was compacted oil war Which had the input of both some shell and government officials.
Again, Ikarama community in Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State further elucidates this point of an oil producing community at the brink. Perhaps, the people of this community did count their joy to be full on that very day they were discovered to have oil beneath their feet. Subsequently, the politics in the community featured a system of 'divide and rule tactics ' of oil companies since the government had turned blind eye to the situation. Here, pipeline surveillance contracts were awarded discretely, therefore, fostering a feeling of being left out among some community members, thus, threatening the relative within. It also became a usual feat for oil companies, especially Shell, to fuel conflict by Consulting and paying selected community chief and families who they consider to be their host. In addition, vocal and influential youth groups were silenced through the appropriation of 'stay at home' or 'standby' payment.
[source: anonymous friend]
In conclusion, it is important to note that this political mishap in the Niger Delta Areas have led to the emergence of a wealthy class of desperate politicians who have turned a handful of idle youths into political thugs whom they deploy incessantly to ridicule the course of the law and justice. For this reason, the Niger delta has been aptly described as "a time bomb"
[source: google]
The resources found within the area are considered to be a curse upon the people rather than blessing it ought to be. The 'Paradox of plenty' wholesomely manifests itself in this regard.
I hope you can connect with these facts.
Thanks for reading. I remain your humble historian @Harry-Heightz
