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Title: | Alienation and militancy in the Niger Delta: hostage taking and the dilemma of the Nigerian State |
Author: | Ibaba, Ibaba S. |
Year: | 2008 |
Periodical: | African Journal on Conflict Resolution |
Volume: | 8 |
Issue: | 2 |
Pages: | 11-34 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Nigeria |
Subjects: | hostage taking militias petroleum industry government policy |
External link: | https://www.accord.org.za/ajcr-issues/%ef%bf%bcalienation-and-militancy-in-the-niger-delta/ |
Abstract: | This paper examines the linkages between alienation and militancy in Nigeria's Niger Delta region, and the dilemma the Nigerian State faces in dealing with the menace of hostage taking of oil workers in the region by militant groups. The paper demonstrates that alienation, caused by ethnically-based political domination, oil-based environmental degradation, corruption and parental neglect, has engendered frustration and awareness that explain the conflicts and violence in the area. Protests and agitations that were hitherto peaceful have degenerated into militancy, violence and hostage taking, due to violent State repression and the militarization of the Niger Delta. Hostage taking of oil workers, particularly expatriates, now occurs frequently, with destructive effects on Nigeria's economy, due to disruptions in oil production. The paper blames this on the character of the State and the resultant dilemma it faces. The Nigerian State is privatized and is therefore used to pursue personal, sectional and ethnic interests, as against the common interest. The inability of the State to pursue the public good has undermined its ability to deal with militancy and hostage taking. It has laid the foundations of militancy through a neglect of development, and the promotion of political thuggery in the electoral process. The solution hinges on the transformation of the State, to make it address the aspirations of citizens. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract] |