Abstract
Conflict is inevitable among communities especially where there are vested interests or contentious boundaries. This paper analyzed the role and effect of communication in conflict resolution within community setting. The controversy investigated was Aguleri-Kogi Crude Oil ownership feud otherwise known as “Crude oil War”, which had led to loss of many lives and property in both communities. Using literature review methodology, which borders on conflict and conflict resolution; effects of communication in conflict prevention and resolution; historical account of Anambra River Basin Communities; and, efforts of stakeholders in the various communities towards resolution of the resource conflict, it was observed that conflict can be either good or bad, depending on the way it is handled; that poor communication escalates conflict; and, that effective communication, anchored on dialogue and negotiation, is the key to conflict resolution. We observed that both parties in Aguleri-Kogi feud relied more on litigations in settling their resource dispute which has lingered for a long time. This paper, therefore, suggested among other things, the need for the stakeholders in conflicts to embrace negotiation and dialogue in the resolution of differences. Keywords: Aguleri-Kogi feud, Anambra River Basin, Crude oil ownership, Resource conflict DOI : 10.7176/JRDM/56-06 Publication date :June 30 th 2019
Highlights
Conflict is one of the realities of our present human existence because it is highly impossible for people to interact without disagreement of one form or the other
There is no denying the fact that, initially the parties to a conflict may appear incompatible but through the process of negotiations and bargaining the parties learn more about each other and create room for compatibility. This is the idea of conflict resolution through communication
Njoku (2017) stressed that listening and responding appropriately to the message of others is demanding; especially, where the source and the receiver operate from different frames of reference
Summary
Conflict is one of the realities of our present human existence because it is highly impossible for people to interact without disagreement of one form or the other. The world is experiencing numerous tension and anxious moments because a lot of people ignorantly believe that it is better to suppress conflict than resolving it. This has led to a lot of scheming on the part of the political leaders and others to either deny or ignore the opposing view. There is no denying the fact that, initially the parties to a conflict may appear incompatible but through the process of negotiations and bargaining the parties learn more about each other and create room for compatibility This is the idea of conflict resolution through communication.
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