NIGERIA: ELITISM AND THE TRAVAILS OF A FAILED STATE

Abstract

This paper traced Nigeria’s woes to elitism-leadership by a select few for the select  few.  This  draconian  system  is  not  peculiar  to  Nigeria  only  but  has become  the  leadership  style  in  most  African  states  and  it  is  the  major  reason for the collapse of virtually all African states. Peculiar features of this system of leadership are Machiavellianism, nepotism, cronyism, sadism, and fatalism. The effects of this system have been explored in the paper and measures have also  been  suggested  to  counter  its  continuance  and  save  Nigeria  from  her present state.