The dynamics and dilemmas of the Niger Delta: a discourse on insecurity and demographic transition (WITHDRAWN)

Ezebunwa Nwokocha, University of Ibadan

Until very recently, the Niger Delta region of Nigeria was known for endowment with oil, its aquatic splendour and wealth creation. The relative advantage of its cities blurred the inherent multidimensional consequences of oil exploration on its environments. With time however, the cumulative negative effects of oil spills and pollution became quite obvious. The people’s agony was exacerbated by government neglect which accounted for the amplification of frustration and aggression among a large majority of the poor that constitute more than three-quarters of the entire population of the area. Thus, the initial legitimate means of protest evolved into militancy, and later a proliferation of political thugs and assassins. Consequently, Niger Delta communities became synonymous with restiveness. This paper attempts to examine the trends and dimensions of the unholy dynamics that drive demographic transition in the region by highlighting the connections between the dilemma of a failed state, insecurity and underdevelopment.