Aohell

Fun in the Nigerian Sun

The Niger Delta is the source for nearly all of Nigeria's oil wealth. It is also one of Nigeria's poorest regions. This is because Nigeria's oil wealth goes to huge oil companies exploiting the region and the Nigerian government.

I'm in favor of free markets and can even be persuaded that what an American considers to be a crap wage can buy a palace in some parts of the world, but the multinational oil companies like Chevron and Shell go way too far in Nigeria. There, they don't just rip off the locals. They kill people.

Lately, the Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) has indicated it will resume an armed struggle in the Niger Delta. Although I hate violence, how else is a group going to deal with companies that hire local army or police units to disperse peaceful demonstrations with lethal gunfire? Geez, Chevron even once hired the MPLA to take over Cabinda and hand over oil exploitation to Chevron, resulting in a low-level conflict that's gone on for over 30 years. There's big money in oil, and the big oil companies are willing to kill for it. Like I said, how else is a group going to deal with guys like that? Ice cream socials?

No, they're reaching for their Kalashnikovs in the Niger Delta and threaten to shut down oil exports for Nigeria. Nigeria provides a whole lot of oil for the US and it's newest big customer, China, neither of which will be inclined to tolerate democratic movements when they threaten their oil supplies. Look to see violence escalate in the region with very little mention of it in the US press and even less mention in the Chinese house organs.

While Bush's administration begs America to consider the good news coming out of Iraq, one can't help but notice the bad news coming out of Nigeria and the fact the US isn't doing anything to stop it. Quite the opposite, in fact. US energy policies perpetuate that sort of disgusting authoritarian crushing of justice, freedom, and decency of life.

I don't care how much money Chevron and Shell bring to Africa. They're also bringing corruption, bloodshed, and pollution they'll never clean up. Where is the benefit in that?