As the Nigerian Government grapples with a horrific Islamist insurgency in the North East, an International conflict prevention group has warned that if the Muhammadu Buhari administration fails to urgently address the “long-simmering grievances” and deprivation in the oil rich Niger Delta, the region could soon erupt in violence again.

In its latest report issued September 29, the International Crisis Group warned that increasing complaints over chronic poverty and oil pollution as the Presidential Amnesty Programme for ex-militants reaches its twilight, may fuel a renewed rebellion in the region.
The group observed that since the defeat of Goodluck Jonathan, who is a native of the region in March, some activists have resumed their “agitation for greater resource control and self-determination” while some ex-militants have threatened to return to the creeks to resume the armed struggle that characterised the region prior to the amnesty programme.

At its peak in 2009, the insurgency in the Niger Delta cut Nigeria’s oil output by over 50 per cent and was costing the government close to four billion naira (nearly $19 million) per day in counter-insurgency operations, according to the International Crisis Group
An amnesty programme put in place by the government in 2009 helped in reducing violence in the region.

The report however said the programme failed woefully to address the inherent causes of violence in the region such as poverty, youth unemployment and environmental pollution caused primarily by oil spills.

“The government has largely failed to carry out other recommendations that addressed the insurgency’s root causes, including inadequate infrastructure, environmental pollution, local demands for a bigger share of oil revenues, widespread poverty and youth unemployment,” the report observed.

According to the report, the original arrangement where militants in the amnesty programme were paid through their leaders helped in making fighters dependent on their leaders as well as solidify the bond between them in such a way that makes it easy for the militant leaders to rally their fighters to cause trouble.

The report stated that because the stipend paid to ex-militants ( N65,000) is way more than the national minimum wage of N18,000 many ex-militants have become indolent and instead of seeking paid employment, rely on the stipend.
It however said stopping the payment of the stipend may create serious security challenges.

“There is a serious mismatch between the training the former militants receive and the job market. At the end of March 2015, reportedly only 151 of the 15,451 graduates from the training programs had found jobs with credible organisations in the country.

“Many currently being trained have high expectations of positions in oil, gas and aviation companies, but industry sources insist there presently is limited room to absorb many job-seeker. Frustrated graduates may be tempted to return to militancy or violent crime, only now better educated and more likely capable of extracting new concessions from the federal government,” it noted.

The report also pointed out that the cancellation of the pipeline protection contracts of some ex-militant leaders by President Muhammadu Buhari is likely to push some these militant leaders to resume their arms campaign against the government.

It added many militants leaders have become stupendously wealthy and politically influential following years of government patronage during the Goodluck Jonathan administration thereby increasing their capacities to cause mayhem or make higher demands from government.
The organisation slammed former President Jonathan administration for paying “less commitment to the crucial tasks of improving infrastructure, restoring the environment and enhancing livelihoods. In spite of promises and substantial appropriations, little progress has been made”.

Ineffective Ministry and agencies

The report stated that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC and other agencies created to address Niger Delta related issues such as oil spills and environmental degradation have woefully failed to meet the expectations of the people.
The report noted that the NDDC for instance, has only completed 37 per cent (2,328 out of 6,349) of projects launched since 2000. In fact, Mr Jonathan lamented in December 2013 that the NDDC has little on ground to justify the huge appropriations it gets.

The report observed that corruption is the main cancer plaguing the commission as it may have become a conduit through which funds are “pumped into the pockets of politically connected individuals than a vehicle for the region’s development.”

“Some politicians, especially in the federal legislative committees on Niger Delta development, and also in the Delta states assemblies, are alleged to view and manipulate it as their cash cow.”

Similarly, the report stated that the Ministry of Niger Delta has let little impact in the region.

“Many of its projects are incomplete or long abandoned. Its flagship effort, the 338km east-west highway that initially ran from Warri in Delta state to Oron in Akwa Ibom state and is being extended to Calabar in Cross River state is significantly over budget and still under construction, despite repeated assurances of imminent completion.”

“Public confidence has diminished. In April 2013, Ondo state oil-producing communities demanded it be disbanded. In March 2014, Senator James Manager, chairman of the Senate committee on the Niger Delta, observed that it had “failed to commission a single project since its creation.”

It stated that people of the region as lost confidence in the ability of the Ministry in addressing the issues that plague them. It added that the effectiveness of the Ministry is further hampered by cascading budgetary allocations and lack of patronage from donors.

“Donors have failed to finance a proposed $10 billion multi-stakeholder trust fund for a ten-year Niger Delta Development Action Plan, unveiled in 2013.

“Performance is hampered in several ways, beginning with dwindling budgets. Of the 456 billion naira (about $2.8 billion) the ministry received over six years, 2009-2014, 349 billion naira ($2.1 billion) went to the east-west highway. Like the NDDC, it has not received all its appropriations.”

Just like the NDDC, deep-seated corruption has also contributed to the ministry’s ineffectiveness, the report noted.
Recommendations

Though the report admitted that there are no indications that these disgruntled militant groups will actually mobilise against the government, the report recommended a series of measures to prevent the eruption of violence in the region:

It advised Mr Buhari to visit the Niger Delta as soon as possible “to underscore his commitment to the region and lay out a comprehensive plan for its security and development.”

It also suggested that the amnesty programme should be wound down gradually so to ensure registered ex-militants to complete their training.
It also called on the government to scrap the Ministry of Niger Delta and to initiate a holistic reform of the NDDC to “make it a more accountable and effective agency.”

The report called on the government to take steps to prevent environmental degradation by empowering and making the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project independent from the petroleum ministry.

It added that government should work closely with the House of Assembly to accelerate the passing of the Petroleum Industry Bill and called on major oil companies such as Shell and Eni to prevent oil spills and create jobs for local youth.

Source: www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/191126-niger-delta-may-erupt-in-violence-again-international-group-warns.html

And to before warned is to before armed!
I hope NSA, DSS, NA, NPF and all have taken note..no more bloodshed over there oh!

That is why Edwin Clark resigned from PDP to concentrate on next lines of action.Useless Nonsense

They used this same issue to win sympathy and Nigerians voted in the clueless one. They ---same milked us dry---e.g Diezani and co.

bigeagleeye:
And to before warned is to before armed!
I hope NSA, DSS, NA, NPF and all have taken note..no more bloodshed over there oh!

DSS is busy at akwa ibom govt house and rivers tribunal
bh are having a field day

Nonsense




Nigeria teacher was sent to China to teach.
The first day he entered class, he began by roll-
calling. He said “Sheng.” A student said ”present.
”He called the second name, “Chu muon” Another
student said ”present.”Suddenly, he sneezed,
”hatchia” one student seated at the corner stood up and said, ”present.
”He then exclaimed and said, ”hmmmm…”allthe
students shouted ”absent.”He got confused and
said, ”chai…” three students stood up and said,
”which of us sir?” The teacher became more
confused and he asked, ”what is wrong?” A student stood up and said, ”sir, I’m not wrong,
I’mcalled Wong.”The teacher now laughed and
said, ”hahaha ”..
A girl said. ” Present sir.”The teacher fainted.

Buhari should urgently look into this matter.


Environmental degradation is on the rise in the Oil producing communities. You need to visit these areas and feel their plight.

Unemployment is another major issue in Niger delta. You see people from other regions working and earning big in the companies at your backyard. Yet, you are finding it hard to secure an average paying Job. It's quite disheartening.


The President should look into this matter or get ready to face another possible backlash!..

cc Lalasticlala

.

They should leave the old man, he will fight the militants same way he fought maitatsine warlords.

for sure .... D dogs and baboons will be soaked in blood

Who cares!!!!!

They should first castrate GEJ for wasting good 8years in Aso rock.

Buhari has to deal with Boko haram and the militants now.

Under GEJ, the militants were quiet while the Boko boys raged on. People thought that when PMB comes, the boko boys will finally keep quiet too.
But alas, boko haram has even become more audacious and the long quieted Niger delta militants are beginning to make moves once more.

This is the time for Buhari to wield his magic wand and fix all of this. Don't tell me there is no magic wand. He should better go and look for it because he made us believe that he will fix everything wrong with the country. That is why he was elected.

Biafra loading....

hmmm

it is well

PMB has promised to look into the problems of the Niger-Delta,something Jonathan could not do.

The Niger-Deltans have given their support to the Buhari administration.

There's no cause for alarm.

lincolnj88:
for sure .... D dogs and baboons will be soaked in blood

stop it

Warning? Make i begin dey pack my bags.

[size=20pt]. that is why we will have a minister of Niger delta in Rotimi Amechi. and peace will reign [/size]

Entirely true!

Biafra loading 75% completed

Everywhere you turn, you find confusion and one wahala waiting to explode but explode kwanu...for where? Oluwa favors our cause.



In another news, you see this man called Rochas, he has absolutely nothing to offer!!! He may have good intentions o but he has no business in leading a state. Imo state is worse than he met it and its worse because he is wasting everyone's time and resources while talking gibberish every single time you hear him speak!

The worst bane of our time are bad leaders. We all must join hands to at least force these clueless ones in the right direction...for our sakes!!!

Hmm

I am glad that Nigerians are seeing that throwing money at a problem does not develop people's minds.

The government needs to clean up the ND as quickly as possible, but it should end there. To develop, the people have to rise up to their own potential, eschew violence, and develop their own villages, towns and cities by holding their LGA chairmen and governors accountable.

The amount of money that goes in allocation to these states is stupendous. It is clear cut that money alone does not create development, it is like getting aid, the worst way to develop anything is to be reliant on aid.

Having more free money us not the answer, sweat and hard work is the answer.

GOD, WE WANT PEACE TO CONTINUE TO REIGN IN THIS NATION

Biafra loading 80%


My homeland

[size=14pt] Do they think this is GEJ era Let them try nonsense and the whole Niger delta will end up in flames courtesy of the Nigeria Army. Buhari will destroy those spoiled brats. If you doubt me, ask the IPOB youths what their experiences has been so far with their Biafra agitation. We got new supplies of weapons and the international community is ready to support our darling president till he gets rid of boko haram, Militants and the Biafran mongers. Even Nnamdi Kanu is very afraid to come to Nigeria ever since Buhari was sworn in. No militant or Biafran will be allowed to rebel against this govt. We will defend Nigeria with our last bullet [/size]

This article has raised salient points that should be looked into. But then, out of all the problems listed, the only ones peculiar to the Niger Delta is Oil spillage and environmental pollution. Poverty and unemployment is everywhere in Nigeria and if something drastic is not done to mitigate it, we are on a bombshell.
That aside, what did the Niger Delta Ministry do with its budget? This was why it was created in the first place. Even the Amnesty Programme was not properly done and that's what has been highlighted by this article.
PMB has started what GEJ couldn't do there. I hope it yield a good one.
Militants please don't be vexed!

We don't want it

Isn't this why Jonathan was voted in overwhelmingly? Yet what did he do, He even collaborate with another daughter of the Niger delta to loot the region the more. But did the Niger Delta erupt in violence back then?