ARROGANCE OF POWER: BANE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGERIAN STATE

Abstract

The word, ‘Power’ (Greek Dunamis; Hebrew Koach), by nuanced step, englobes a pluriformity of ideas that have been diversely expressed in religion, political philosophy, law and the sciences. The breadth of its influence is wide, and the scope of its use is encompassing, diffusing into the fabrics of all existent beings: animate or inanimate, material or spiritual, substantial or accidental. The actuality of every organism is a manifestation of power, which can be put to good or bad use. The bad use or abuse (ab- use) of power, and especially its variant―arrogance of power, draws down our discussion to the significance of power politics. In this essay, we establish that arrogance of power has historically constricted opportunities for positive influence, conviviality and growth. At different times and cultures, it has been buoyed either by an inheritable rectilinear acquisition of power that hierarchizes human relationships, or by the share use of brute force, leading to needless wars and human catastrophes. Our findings show that much of the blips in postcolonial Nigeria are hinged on the arrogant use of power. They also identify as reinforcing to this, the overtly acquiescent behaviour of citizens amidst serious infractions by their leaders. In the end, our work makes a case for a robust educational system that will liberate the citizenry, and so equip them to defuse the arrogant use of power wherever it manifests.