Conflict Management: The Nigerian Government’s Strategies and the Question of Enduring Peace

Abstract

The article x-rayed the conflict management strategies that Nigerian government adopted in Odi and the larger Niger Delta crises. We undertook extensive review of literature related to these two conflict situations to determine which of these strategies - the use of force or the granting of amnesty worked better for the benefit of Nigeria. It was observed that the use of force to manage the Niger Delta imbroglios has always escalated the conflict. On the other hand, the granting of amnesty presented a better platform for managing the conflict and has the potential of resolving the Niger Delta crises if vigorously and holistically pursued. Key recommendations were that: the root cause(s) of conflict should be well established to know the strategy(ies) to use in managing it; the managers of conflict should not rush and employ force to manage any conflict; there should always be active channels for effective communication between the conflicting parties and equitable, just socio-political environment should always be created to forestall the emergence of conflict, leaders should always be proactive on conflict issues through effective communication and dialogue not until when there is a breakdown of law and order.