Amnesty and Peace-Building in Nigeria’s Niger Delta: Problems and Prospects

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VII, July 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Amnesty and Peace-Building in Nigeria’s Niger Delta: Problems and Prospects

Lanre Olu-Adeyemi and Shaibu Makanjuola, T.
Department of Political Science and Administration, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract:- The Niger Delta is the major hub of the Nigerian economy, but the oil rich region continues to linger in violence occasioned by multifarious social, political & environmental issues. This study appraised Federal Government’s amnesty programme and peace-building in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. Three questions were addressed: How has amnesty contributed to peace-building in Niger Delta? What are the causes of the Niger Delta post-amnesty problem? And what are the prospect for sustainable peace in Niger Delta? Study adopts John Locke’s social contract theory supported with peace-building theoretical proposition. Study depends on secondary data and content descriptive analysis was adopted. Study reveals that Amnesty contributed to peace-building under Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programmes. However, the Amnesty programme has not ended insurgency and violent activities in the region due to lingering socio-political, socio-economic and environmental challenges. Interestingly, it brings to light the prospects for a sustainable peace in Niger Delta; and argues that unless Amnesty programme is implemented base on best practices to systemically address the root cause of the Niger Delta problem; the region would remain restive. Prospects and models suggested in this paper would enhance peace-building activities in the region.

Keywords: Amnesty, Disarmament, Niger Delta, Peace-Building

I. INTRODUCTION

The Niger Delta is the major hub of the Nigerian economy, but continues to linger in violence occasioned by multifarious social, political and environmental issues. Dudu and Odalonu (2016) as well as Aniefiok, et al (2013) confirmed that the Niger Delta which is located in the southern part of Nigeria, at the apex of the Gulf of Guinea on the west coast of Africa remain the treasure base of Nigeria. It comprises the largest oil producing states which makes up the country’s nine federating states out of thirty-six, namely: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.

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