Power: Its transient nature and the lessons of history; an appraisal of Nigeria’s Second Republic Political elites (1979-1983)

Abstract

It is well established that Power is transient. This by implication means that every position of power and authority ultimately has a start and an end. Thus, after sixty-two years of her post-independence as a nation, Nigeria has experienced eight (7) democratic and eight (8) military leaders and political transition which are respectively unique and distinctively underscores the intricacies of power and governance in Nigeria. This paper beams search light on the transient nature of power and lessons it offers through history as a subject matter. The major plank for this searchlight is Nigeria’s Second Republic political elites. This paper aims at inquiring and appraising Nigeria’s second republic political elites and gladiators (1979-1983). Thus, the paper tends to unravel and underscore the transient nature of their held power. This research paper is based on combined qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and included distinct political elites of the past, after forty four years of their holding sway as members the ruling class in Nigeria. The paper seems to build theory around the concept of elite theory. Key findings of the paper include that: there exists a strong and unarguable stance to such extent that Power should be underscored at all levels of leadership to be transient to such extent that it should remind contemporary leaders that every position of power and authority ultimately has a start and an end, which confirms the saying that no condition is permanent and as such should advisably live to serve and add value to humanity than become elites amongst that fellow human beings as if tomorrow will never come.