Initiatives of Oil Producing Communities and the Dynamics of Conflict and Peace Building in the Niger Delta

Abstract

Local initiatives in the dynamics of conflict and peace building are germane to understanding the actions and inactions of a people reacting towards their plights. This study adopts a qualitative methodology to investigate initiatives in local communities in the unending conflicts and peace building processes in Nigeria, using the Gokanaya, Onelga, and Eche communities in Rivers State as case studies. The major findings were that the roles and networks of key indigenous institutions such as the elders' council, ruling houses and 'mothers of the land', as well as traditional healers and witch doctors are vital in directing the affairs of the communities: their socio-political, economic, spiritual and religious activities. However, government and multinational corporations often sidelined them. With only technocrats and the educated elite involved in negotiating peace, key stakeholders were missing and conflicts in the region intensified. The study recommends that peace building initiatives should take a bottom-top approach and be devoid of politics.