ELITE OR HELL-LIT: WHEN POWER SHINES BRIGHTEST IN THE FLAMES Of PUBLIC HARDSHIP
In every nation, there exists a group that occupies the commanding heights of influence, those entrusted with the stewardship of resources, institutions, and public trust. In theory, this group represents the elite, a cadre expected to embody competence, responsibility, and visionary leadership. In practice, however, a troubling transformation sometimes occurs. The elite cease to illuminate progress and instead appear hell-lit, glowing not with the light of stewardship but with the flames of the very hardship engulfing the people they were meant to serve. Nigeria’s persistent struggle with governance failures, economic instability, and systemic corruption provides a sobering case study of this phenomenon. While the nation is rich in natural resources and human capital, the lived realities of many citizens tell a different story; one marked by infrastructural decay, inflationary pressure, youth unemployment, and declining public confidence in institutions. The paradox is striking: ...
