Abstract
The Niger Delta is the focal point of oil and gas production in Nigeria, and the region epitomizes a
dialectics of wealth and power. Whereas, the wealth generated from the ethnic minorities populated
region is the heart of the Nigerian economy, the area paradoxically wallows in abject poverty,
marginalization and underdevelopment. Hence, the advent of restive and militant groups that presently
characterizes the region. The crisis in the Niger Delta is multifaceted. And the present militant oil
agitations in vogue, spearheaded by frustrated, hopeless and deprived youths has serious impact on the
Nigerian economy, resulting in dwindling oil revenues. Therefore, to pacify the militant groups and
guarantee the flow of oil and gas production, the Federal Government of Nigeria granted amnesty to all
militants in the Niger Delta that swell up the rank and file of MEND, NDPVF, COMA, JRC, NDV, etc.
this paper argues that, due to the deplorable condition of the Niger Delta amidst the wealth that it
produces to sustain the nation, the Nigerian state has no moral cum legal justification to brand freedom
fighters as criminals and granting them amnesty. More so, if the very obvious lack of development and
repressive measures in the Niger Delta are adequately addressed to better the lot of the region being that,
the consciousness of exploitation and backwardness is on the increase in the area, thus, insincerity or the
promotion of temporary measures cannot put a stop to oil agitations by militants. The paper concludes
that, what is actually needed in the region is unity of purpose, accountability and total commitment to the
developmental needs of the region and not the politicization of amnesty. Again, due to the widespread
culture of militancy and other social vices in the region, government should evolve modalities to re-
socialise the youthful population affected by the militant mentality to avert future occurrences.
