Corruption, National Security, and Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria, from 2009-2019
Publication Date: 08/06/2020
Author(s): Ogele Eziho Promise.
Volume/Issue: Volume 3 , Issue 3 (2020)
Abstract:
The study examined the effects of corruption in the amnesty programme in the Niger Delta region and its adverse effects on national security, from 2009-2019. The Federal Government offered amnesty to the Niger Delta militants’ occasion by the contestation over control of the oil resources in the region. The contestation metamorphosed to an intensified conflict in the region between the militants and security agents leading to the destruction of oil installation, kidnapping for ransom, oil theft, among others. The scenario brought down crude oil production from 2.22 million barrels a day to 800 barrels. The Federal Government led by President Musa Umar Yar Adua hurriedly offered amnesty to the militants. Despite the success recorded by the programme, there are several allegations of embezzlements of funds meant for the implementation of the programme. The study adopted the Three Gap analytical model as a theoretical construct. To critically interrogate these effects of corruption, the study adopted a triangulation method of data gathering techniques. The study unraveled that the amnesty programme was bedevilled with corruption, particularly embezzlement of funds set aside for the implementation of the programme. The study recommends amongst others a forensic audit of the amnesty programme since its inception.
