POLITICS OF OIL AND MINORITY RIGHTS IN THE NIGER-DELTA AREA OF NIGERIA.
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Date
2016-02-09
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Bayero University Kano
Abstract
This research examine the implication of oil politics and agitation for Minority rights on
the socio-economic development of the oil producing communities in the Niger-Delta
between 1999-2009. The study adopted the petro-state theory as basis of it analysis, this
argument is hinged on the par-axis that oil dependence has political implication similar
to the economic effect known as the ‘Dutch Disease’ or the resource curse. To them this
political effects are primarily responsible for generating subsequent economic problems.
In other words oil rents eventually weaken state institutions, and this hollowing out of the
state occurs within the context of growing grievances. The study utilized both primary
and secondary source of data, using survey method and the use of available documents.
In specific term the primary data for this research were gathered through questionnaire.
Secondary data on the other hand were generated through library documentation
analysis. For data analysis, both descriptive and correlation statistical tools were used.
Similarly data from secondary sources were analysed through simple descriptive
technique known as document analysis. The study established that; the straggle for
ownership and control of land, mineral, rent and royalties, the desire to influence the
principle of revenue allocation based on derivation and special funds, the struggle for the
political restructuring of the federation in other to accommodate their demands as well
as the need, the environmental and ecological degradation that affect their communities
as a result of oil exploration and exploitation as the major socio-economic and political
factors that influence the tempo of the agitation for minority right in the Niger-Delta
community.The study also revealed that the agitation has resulted in massive provision of
infrastructure by government in the area of health, schools, water, roads and
environmental sanitation, a development which tremendously impacted on the livelihood
of the Niger-Delta communities. The study identify violence and threats of violence,
constitutional and legalistic approach, institutional measures as well as diversionary
tactic; and divide and rule as the major nature of state response to the Niger-Delta crisis.
The study concluded that, although oil has contributed to the instability and lack of
socio-economic development of Nigeria in general and Niger Delta in particular, it is not
by any means the only reason as there are also other local factors such as state
institutions choice of leadership and public policy