‘Nigeria yet to get conflict resolution right’

How do you view the government’s approaches to the varying crises in the country? The government is still involved it the old way of resolving conflicts by using force. The international community has gone beyond the level of brute force.  Conflict resolution cannot be achieved in that way. We condemn the high handedness employed by […]

How do you view the government’s approaches to the varying crises in the country?

The government is still involved it the old way of resolving conflicts by using force. The international community has gone beyond the level of brute force.  Conflict resolution cannot be achieved in that way. We condemn the high handedness employed by the security agents which led to the extra-judicial killing of the Boko Haram leadership. This brutal method will not only drive underground the remaining members, but will also make those vestiges regroup and fight back in a vicious manner, thus escalating the conflict situation in the area. We also view the clampdown and forceful removal of Darul Islam sect from their home along Mokwa-Jebba road as an unnecessary provocation, especially when they have not run foul of any known law. Also, while we take a look at the amnesty granted the Niger Delta militants and share the government’s desire to end the crises in the region, we, however, see amnesty as a process to national rebirth, not an end. NAPS believes that there is the need to reconcile the goal of peace and justice, and the federal government should address the imbalances in such areas as the revenue allocation, environmental pollution and sustainable economic and physical development of the region.

How best can conflicts be resolved in Nigeria?

It is only through transformational approach. Transformational conflict resolution is a new concept that provokes minds to look inwards generally taking into consideration the social trends and ensures that things are done in order to change the society by being more proactive, rather than being destructive. Let’s take the Niger Delta crisis as an example. Some people are complaining of being suppressed and of not being listened to.  There should be mutual negotiations. The same thing applies to the on-going strike by the university workers in the country. If there is problem facing someone and he/she is complaining, there is a need for all the parties to sit down and discuss. That is our major concern.  Nobody should impose anything on another person.

What do you think the varying crises portend for the country, especially in its 49 years of independence?

It is nothing but an ill-wind. If after 49 years of independence, we are still not able to get things right, it portends a very bleak future for the country. Our education is in total collapse, the transportation is not in good shape, the economy is in shambles. Despite all the gamut of talks with which people would want to convince us that things are improving, we all know that nothing is improving.

Do you agree with people who say that it is too early to consider the nation a failure?

No. I disagree. Of course, people would say it took other developed countries that have gone very far a long time to get to where they are today, but those countries did not just fold their arms and look at things degenerating. They put mechanisms in place to develop. We, as a nation, have to put in place measures that would enable us to get things right.