Nigeria: The Niger-Delta Scam
February 21st, 2007 | Published in Conflict, Governance, Niger-Delta, Nigeria, Oil | 7 Comments
If the insurgency in the Nigeria oil rich Niger-delta is allowed to continue unresolved, it will cumulate into a catastrophic event of epic proportions with dire consequences on the socioeconomic and political stability of the nation. This is not a dooms-day prophesy, or a forecast that requires some complicated regression analysis; it’s simple common-sense.
What bothers me most is the nonchalant attitude of those most affected by the event: the state governments and their legislatures (members of the House of Assemblies). It is apparent the feds have given up on the issue, or have simply ran out of workable solutions that could quell the violence, short of heeding the demands of the militia: granting the region more control of the black gold being sucked out of their lands, and the release of their leaders and colleagues locked-up in various jails.
While I do not subscribe to the tactics of the militia in the Niger-delta, I can relate to their circumstances given the devastation oil exploration has brought on their environment, and the relative and disproportionate underdevelopment of the region. However, I wish these militia could see how misguided their actions are.
The oil-producing states, which are mainly located in the Niger-delta region, ‘earn’ more federal allocations (monthly disbursement given by the federal government to the states) than any other state. Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states - regions where the militia are heavily concentrated - receive the most from the federal account i.e. the most money per population. However, there are huge disparities in the quality and quantity of infrastructures built and social amenities/programs implemented by these state governments. Where has the money gone? This is the question I wish the militia could ask those they’ve elected as their leaders.
The militia needs to hold their governors and legislators accountable and hostage first, not some innocent expatriates wanting to make some bucks. Once they can discern how well their money has been spent, then it becomes easier to challenge feds and ask for a pay-raise.
It’s getting seriously irritating to read about hostages been taken and released every other day. How much has been paid as ransom since the bandits perfected this scam-strategy? Where does the funds come from, and whose pockets does it go? I suspect a cabal runs these militia and it’s quietly profiting from the scams at the detriment of all Nigerians, particularly the innocent indigenes of the Niger-delta.
It’s long overdue for the respective governors and state assemblies of the militia-prone regions to be challenged for their complacency. In fact, they should be investigated; I won’t be surprised if they have strong ties with the Niger-delta militia after all.
February 21st, 2007 at 12:27 pm (#)
That is a very valid point, you made there, for any meaningful progress to be made, there has to be a form of accountability. This is presently lacking and any additional funds released for developmental programs will equally go down the drain. You get a star in my reader.
February 21st, 2007 at 11:33 pm (#)
Thank you!
February 23rd, 2007 at 8:32 am (#)
[…] Not quiet far from politics, Grandiose Parlor blogs about the Niger Delta in Nigeria: The Niger-Delta Scam If the insurgency in the Nigeria oil rich Niger-delta is allowed to continue unresolved, it will cumulate into a catastrophic event of epic proportions with dire consequences on the socioeconomic and political stability of the nation. This is not a dooms-day prophesy, or a forecast that requires some complicated regression analysis; it’s simple common-sense. […]
February 23rd, 2007 at 1:06 pm (#)
[…] Not quiet far from politics, Grandiose Parlor blogs about Nigeria: The Niger-Delta Scam If the insurgency in the Nigeria oil rich Niger-delta is allowed to continue unresolved, it will cumulate into a catastrophic event of epic proportions with dire consequences on the socioeconomic and political stability of the nation. This is not a dooms-day prophesy, or a forecast that requires some complicated regression analysis; it’s simple common-sense. […]
February 24th, 2007 at 10:22 pm (#)
i just can’t help but suspect that these militias are lacking in comon sense.It doesnt take a rocket scientist to know that the authority responsible for the social welfare of the given populace is the local government authority. They are allocated the highest amount of funds in the country by the federal govt, where do the funds go? are they adequate?what mechanisms are in place to ensure that they are spent properly and not stolen?..these are questions that should be given attention and not how to go about kidnapping expatriates.Probably the men who engage in these acts are not educated enough to be diplomatic or technical about these issues….then what are the Governors of these states doing to change the situation? what is Obasanjo doing apart from sending in security forces…why cant these politicians realise that these are desperate times and there has to be radical mechanisms in place to help the poor of the Niger Delta, I know there has been some improvements, at least compared to the years of military rule. But obviously the progress made has not been enough.The government has to be radical about helping the poor in the region, give all them education,water, health facilities,good roads,adequate public transport,and jobs for the youth…is this so hard?! with all the oil revenue?!
February 25th, 2007 at 10:08 pm (#)
Norbert: Not only does it seem that the people are lacking in common sense, they have also gone apathetic and complacent.
March 14th, 2007 at 12:22 pm (#)
If only Nigerians can wake up and know that we are only deteriorating our own country and ourselves as a nation that used to have it all.
eve