Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR and Crisis of Environmental Degradation in Niger Delta: A Search for Social Justice Mechanism in Bayelsa State

Abstract

The plight of the oil region, Niger Delta is multifaceted
and severe. Daunted in these challenges are crisis of
environmental degradation and restive conflicts. In
Bayelsa, the resentment remain loud and torrential in oil
producing communities underscoring the expediency of
alternative conflict resolution efforts for peace and
social justice as state intervention mechanisms remain
inactive or deficient. Acknowledging these unpleasant
scenarios, this paper examined the pertinence of
Alternative Dispute Resolution in the crisis of
environmental degradation and search for social justice
in oil producing communities in Bayelsa state. In an
exploratory design, the discourse established that the
crisis of environmental degradation reflected in
contamination of air, land and rivers from oil spills and
gas flaring in communities of Nembe, Ogbia, Brass,
Southern Ijaw etc which consequently created hostilities
against oil installations, operational activities and
personnel.This paper therefore proposes the
functionality of ADR as a viable mechanism of peace,
social justice and development in volatile oil communities and further recommend for strict
enforcement of environmental standards, swift response
in prevention among the fundamentals to stem the tides
of
environmental degradation in oil producing
communities in Bayelsa state.