Repercussions of an Addiction to Oil: Nigeria

The psychological definition of "addiction" explains that it is considered a social, cultural, genetic and experiential process; addictive behavior could be defined by what provides temporary or short term pleasure, although there may be "long term adverse effects." In many countries, specifically, the United States, addiction to money and power have caused irreparable damage to foreign people and the environment, being that the need for resources to fuel a demanding population seem to be worth the exploitation and unfair treatment of other human beings and our earth. Oil, in particular is one of these addictions. Simplicity is not a work-in-progress or quality of our entire civilization being that consuming as little energy as possible does not seem to be a priority. In a book called "The Money-less Man" by Mark Boyle, he explains that "oil is a finite resource"; it is not a matter of 'if', it is a matter of 'when' it will run out. Our demand for oil is far bigger than our supply, which is why the prices continue to rise and why we continue to depend on foreign oil, even if the means are unethical.

The United States experienced a stressful 3 months when 4.9 million barrels of oil were spilled into the Gulf of Mexico. When looking at the extent of the damage that continues to harm marine and wildlife habitats, it is easy to determine that the repercussions of this spill will be prevalent for quite some time. As shocking as this was to so many of us, in Nigeria, many indigenous populations, such as the Ogoni ethnic group, have dealt with continuous oil spills since the late 1950's, when the Shell oil company found their prize in the Niger delta.

Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa, pumping more than two billion barrels a day. This oil is produced by multinational oil companies operating in joint ventures with the Nigerian government.Corrupt governments in Nigeria have been supported and sustained by western governments and oil companies who were fervid on benefiting from the resources that can be exploited. As people have been fighting over this addictive resource, immense poverty and environmental degradation have resulted. 

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Ever since British took colonial control of Nigeria, ethnic groups, such as the Ogoni group, to this day have not been given positions of power. Even under their current 'democratic government,' Ogoni grievances were not adequately acknowledged. This led Nigerian, Ogoni ethnic group member, author, television producer, and environmentalist, Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa to take initiative to achieve Ogoni autonomy in the 1970's.

He was one of the founding members of MOSOP (Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People). MOSOP organized peaceful protests of more than half of the Ogoni population (around 300,000 people), which drew international attention to the peoples' plight. Through these efforts, Shell ceased drilling in the Ogoni region. Unfortunately, these activists were not let off the hook for their defiance. Saro-Wiwa was imprisoned three times before being executed in 1995 for possible false accusations of murder, along with eight other MOSOP leaders. 

Later protests against drilling had led security to violently beat, detain, and even kill some protesters. Oil companies failed to intervene with the abusive tactics of the Nigerian forces. To this day, there are thousands of people in Nigeria fighting to preserve their land, while many oil companies continue to be unresponsive. 

Before his execution, Saro-Wiwa made a moving statement about his work and the inevitable consequences people will pay for their unjust treatment and exploitation:

"We all stand before history. I am a man of peace, of ideas. Appalled by the denigrating poverty of my people who live on a richly endowed land...anxious to preserve their right to life and to a decent living, and determined to usher to this country as a whole and just democratic system...I have no doubt at all about the ultimate success of my cause, no matter the trials and tribulations which I and those who believe with me may encounter on our journey. Nor imprisonment nor death can stop our ultimate victory.

On trial also is the Nigerian Nation...any nation which can do to the weak what the Nigerian nation has done to the Ogoni, loses a claim to independence and to freedom from outside influence. I am not one of those who shy away from protesting injustice and oppression, arguing that they are expected in a military regime. The military do not act alone. They are supported by a gaggle of politicians, lawyers, academics, and businessmen, all of them hiding under the claim that they are only doing their duty, men and women too afraid to wash their pants of urine. As we subscribe to the sub-normal and accept double standards, as we lie and cheat openly, as we protect injustice and oppression, we empty our classrooms, denigrate out hospitals, fill our stomachs with hunger and elect to make ourselves the slaves of those who ascribe to higher standards, pursue the truth, and honor justice, freedom, and hard work."