Nigeria: War and Strife
Clayton Riggan
In Nigeria there is currently war happening. The war is not social or religious but over the “black gold” in Nigeria. The war over oil has been currently sparked by militants oil industry and the Nigerian government. Many rebel militants are attacking oil facilities as well as destroying them. “The rebellious group in Nigeria “MEND” declared war against the government after battling security forces guarding facilities” -BBC. MEND militants are the largest several armed groups operating in the impoverished delta region.
The MEND think as them selves as the “good guys” against the government. The militants say they are fighting for more money to the Niger Delta. The Mend are making aerial and marine attacks on the River positions in Nigeria. “ MEND emerged as a fighting force in the delta almost three years ago. Since then, it has sought to portray itself as a unified political militant group.” - Sarah Simpson. This oil war could be sought out also as a civil war. The oil company can always draw back from the war and cut off oil supply for the whole country of Nigeria, which can be risky. So what is the government doing about this war? Well Nigerian President Yar’Adua has received the criticism for moving to “slowly” to address the problems of the Niger delta, which he promised to make a priority for his administration when he took office a year and a half ago.
Nigeria has fallen victim to the oil industries which is turning the Regions of Nigeria into anarchy. The oil companies need to give the money and oil where it is hurting the most. The Nigerian government is attempting to work with the natives and trying to resolve the fear and land taken away. Nigeria has always been a country filled with natural resources that have been taken away. Most of all deforestation has left has left animals habitats destroyed and extinction. The longer the industrial corporations stay in Nigeria and use of the resources the more suffering for the people who inhabit the land. “Successive corrupt governments have prevented oil revenue funds trickling down to delta residents, leaving their communities undeveloped.” - Sarah Simpson There have been more increases in violence and attacks against the oil facilities. ‘The militants have bombed pipelines, platforms, gas plants, and oil fields, halting up 155, 000 barrels per day of oil production the last five days.”-Austin Ekeinde. In defensive the military was carrying out a “Cordon-and-search” operation after the hijacking of two oil vessels. Many oil companies are now advising the employees to evacuate there facilities for there safety.
The future holds to be very unsteady for Nigeria and the oil war. So what will the Nigerian government do to contain this situation? many steps are needed to stop the war over oil. The government needs to work with the oil companies with redistributing the oil and profits in appropriate areas that need it the most. Both sides will need to be able to draw back and make an agreement to settle the conflict. Nigeria is not he only country that is growing into being victim of the oil war but also outside countries that purchase the oil in Nigeria. “MEND does not enjoy popular support among the Nigerian people.”-Sarah Simpson. It is not known when order will be restored in Nigeria, but drastic steps are being made to stop the war. Such as meetings with political officials and strong defense in the regions of Nigeria.
The MEND think as them selves as the “good guys” against the government. The militants say they are fighting for more money to the Niger Delta. The Mend are making aerial and marine attacks on the River positions in Nigeria. “ MEND emerged as a fighting force in the delta almost three years ago. Since then, it has sought to portray itself as a unified political militant group.” - Sarah Simpson. This oil war could be sought out also as a civil war. The oil company can always draw back from the war and cut off oil supply for the whole country of Nigeria, which can be risky. So what is the government doing about this war? Well Nigerian President Yar’Adua has received the criticism for moving to “slowly” to address the problems of the Niger delta, which he promised to make a priority for his administration when he took office a year and a half ago.
Nigeria has fallen victim to the oil industries which is turning the Regions of Nigeria into anarchy. The oil companies need to give the money and oil where it is hurting the most. The Nigerian government is attempting to work with the natives and trying to resolve the fear and land taken away. Nigeria has always been a country filled with natural resources that have been taken away. Most of all deforestation has left has left animals habitats destroyed and extinction. The longer the industrial corporations stay in Nigeria and use of the resources the more suffering for the people who inhabit the land. “Successive corrupt governments have prevented oil revenue funds trickling down to delta residents, leaving their communities undeveloped.” - Sarah Simpson There have been more increases in violence and attacks against the oil facilities. ‘The militants have bombed pipelines, platforms, gas plants, and oil fields, halting up 155, 000 barrels per day of oil production the last five days.”-Austin Ekeinde. In defensive the military was carrying out a “Cordon-and-search” operation after the hijacking of two oil vessels. Many oil companies are now advising the employees to evacuate there facilities for there safety.
The future holds to be very unsteady for Nigeria and the oil war. So what will the Nigerian government do to contain this situation? many steps are needed to stop the war over oil. The government needs to work with the oil companies with redistributing the oil and profits in appropriate areas that need it the most. Both sides will need to be able to draw back and make an agreement to settle the conflict. Nigeria is not he only country that is growing into being victim of the oil war but also outside countries that purchase the oil in Nigeria. “MEND does not enjoy popular support among the Nigerian people.”-Sarah Simpson. It is not known when order will be restored in Nigeria, but drastic steps are being made to stop the war. Such as meetings with political officials and strong defense in the regions of Nigeria.
Bibligraphy
“ Nigeria militants” Ghanabusinessnews.com/2009. –Admin
“Nigeria Militants warn of oil war” 2009, news.bbc.uk/2/hi/Africa.com
“In Nigeria óil war,’militants step up attacks” –Author, Sarah Simpson.2009 www.csmoniter.com
“Nigeria militants threaten broader ‘oil war’ in delta”-Author, Austin Ekeneide.2009 www.mgco.za/printformat/single.com
Last Updated by: Clayton Riggan on May 22, 2009
