In Nigeria, the Niger Delta, popularly referred to as the Treasure Base of
Nigeria experiences daunting conflicts mainly arising from the scramble for
and exploration of oil mineral resources by both national and multinational
organizations. Although the operations of these organizations are on the
increase and to their own advantage, the people of the Niger Delta suffer
untold hardship such as ecological destruction of the region and loss of lives
and poverty. Consequently, the people are left in a state of fear, tension and
confusion. There are resurging conflicts among themselves as a result of
poor representation during the planning and implementation of the social and
economic activities for the region on one hand. On the other hand, there are
conflicts between the people of the region and the different groups of
operators arising from the selfish interest of the latter and their consequent
intimidation. Some of the elites among the people of the Niger Delta who
occupy strategic job positions in society do not seem to care, once they get
themselves 'sorted' or 'settled1
as popularly claimed. In recent time, this
chaotic state of affairs made some of the concerned elites to refer to the Niger
Delta as a 'colony' in Nigeria. For a developing country that is blessed with
rich reserves of mineral resources, the population should be coordinated,
guided for all hands to be on deck for them to achieve the virtue of justice in
order to arrive at a well-ordered and peaceful society where development
plans and programmes are given a fair chance to direct objectively the
conduct and activities of the people. This will, no doubt, contribute
immensely, towards the achievement of the country's set goals for progress.
In the effort to address this issue, the philosophical concepts of conflict and
justice will be critically considered in the attempt to provide a common ground
for constructive dialogue through which peace and lasting solution to the
surging conflicts in the Niger Delta could be achieved.