A University Don, Professor Abdulrazaq Owolabi Abdulkadir, of the University of Ilorin, has identified the major cause of resentment in the Niger Delta of Nigeria.
He also noted the negative effect of the situation on the blue economy policy of the federal government, saying the harmful effects of the oil spill on the marine environment, has increased the tension between people living in the region and the multi-national oil companies operating in the areas.
Professor Abdulrazaq, made these submissions while delivering the 280th inaugural lecture of the University of Ilorin, onThursdaytitled “Radicalism, Rascality and Resentment In The Ebb Of Marine And Blue Economy.”;
The Professor of International Maritime Law, Department of Private and Property Law, further noted that the high level of distrust between the people and the government on one hand and the people with multi-national companies is aggravating the already tensed situation as displayed by the radicalism, rascality and resentment within the Nigerian maritime domain.
“Invariably, the systemic causes of radicalism, rascality and resentment must be fully addressed in order to achieve a long term decrease in illicit maritime activities.”;
To tame the scourge of radicalism, rascality and resentment bedeviling proper exploration of the blue economy, Professor Abdulrazaq, recommended among others, that “military capacity should not often be invoked but rather good governance and political regime are the main determinants of the non pervasiveness of piracy in the region.
He also called for re-orientation of the Nigerian armed personnel, such as the marine police and naval officers to appreciate the onerous responsibility of upholding the integrity and oath of office in discharging their responsibilities.
“Corrupt practices by these personnel are generally responsible for some avoidable importation of arms, ammunition and illegal unreported and unregulated fishing.”;
According to Professor Abdulrazaq, “there is need to amend the provision of Sections 2 and 22(5)(m) of the Carbonate Act 2003 to specifically include oil drilling rig for the purpose of paying two percent surcharge.
“This is because shippers or investors have been taking advantage of this lacuna in the Act,”; he added.
