AN APPLICATION OF NON-VIOLENT APPROACH TO INSURGENCY IN NIGER DELTA REGION, NIGERIA

Abstract

The problem of insurgency has been an aged long issue in the nation. This is because the Nigerian government thinks that the issue in contention will be solved and agitation handled with force and intimidation. Despite all the previous efforts implored by the government which is more or less violent, the issue of insurgency has continued to resurface with its attendant damages on the income of the nation. This is because the Niger Deltans are seen as the hen that lays the golden egg which has no benefit from it. Instead they are inhumanly and unfavourably treated due to exploration and exploitation. It is against this background that this work proposes a non- violent approach as a possible remedy to the long devastating issue. This study will be done using sociological approach and be framed with Marxian Model of Conflict Theory. The paper finds that there has been insurgency by the Niger Deltans which is because of the negligence of the people by the government. It also observes that the negligence has been long winding due to the uncaring attitude of the government. The paper finally observes that the non-violent approach could help solve the problem if the Federal government can adopt that as a measure in handling the issue. It is the interest of this paper to conclude that if the government will reconsider the sufferings that are imminent in Niger Delta and allow them some right in the oil exploitation and exploration, the insurgency will be a thing of the past. The paper therefore recommends that the government should give trial to non-violent approach which the paper is optimistic that it will yield a lasting result. It also recommends that the leaders should look at the condition of the Niger Deltans and listen to their issue for agitation which will give room for peace and harmony in the entire society.