By MIKE-NIFTY A. A.

Nigeria, a nation beset by the vicissitudes of fate, has been perpetually ensnared in a labyrinthine web of oppression, expertly spun by the country’s elite. This cabal of powerful individuals, comprising politicians, business moguls, and high-ranking officials, has assiduously cultivated a culture of impunity, where the privileged few reign supreme, while the masses are relegated to the periphery.

The Nigerian elite's modus operandi is characterized by an insidious blend of Machiavellian tactics and Orwellian doublespeak. They have mastered the art of manipulating the levers of power to maintain their stranglehold on the country’s resources and institutions. This has resulted in a systemic disenfranchisement of the majority, who are forced to eke out a meager existence on the margins of society.

One of the primary mechanisms of oppression employed by the Nigerian elite is the deliberate paucity of investment in essential public services. The lack of adequate funding for healthcare, education, and infrastructure has created a vacuum that the elite have exploited to further entrench their power. By controlling access to these basic necessities, they have effectively created a system of patronage, where the masses are forced to rely on their benevolence for survival.

The resultant effect of this systemic neglect is a populace beset by myriad challenges, ranging from debilitating poverty to crippling illiteracy. The Nigerian elite’s callous disregard for the welfare of the citizens has created a toxic environment, where the rule of law is observed in the breach, and the strong prey on the weak.

Furthermore, the Nigerian elite have demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for manipulating the country’s institutions to serve their selfish interests. The judiciary, legislature, and executive arms of government have been compromised, and now serve as mere appendages to the elite’s power structure. This has created a culture of impunity, where the elite operate above the law, and the masses are subjected to the whims of their oppressors.

The media, whichh should serve as a watchdog and a bulwark against oppression, has been co-opted by the elite. Many media outlets are now mere mouthpieces for the powerful, peddling propaganda and half-truths to perpetuate the status quo. This has created a dearth of critical voices, and the masses are left to navigate a labyrinthine information landscape, where fact and fiction are expertly intertwined.

The Nigerian elite's stranglehold on power has also had a corrosive impact on the country’s economy. The lack of transparency and accountability has created an environment conducive to corruption, where the elite pillage the national treasury with impunity. The resultant effect is a economy characterized by stunted growth, crippling inflation, and debilitating unemployment.

To perpetuate their power, the Nigerian elite have also employed the tactic of divide and rule. They have exploited the country’s ethnic and religious fault lines, creating artificial divisions and fuelling tensions that have led to countless conflicts and loss of lives. This has created a toxic environment, where the masses are pitted against each other, and the elite reap the benefits of chaos and confusion.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of oppression, the Nigerian elite have demonstrated a remarkable capacity for self-delusion. They have convinced themselves that they are the custodians of the country’s destiny, and that their actions are justified by some higher purpose. This narcissistic worldview has created a sense of detachment, where the elite are oblivious to the suffering of the masses, and are only responsive to the whispers of their own self-interest.

However, there are glimmers of hope on the horizon. The Nigerian people are beginning to awaken to the reality of their oppression, and are slowly mobilizing to challenge the status quo. The rise of social media has created a platform for critical voices to be heard, and the masses are beginning to organize and demand justice.

In conclusion, the oppression perpetuated by the Nigerian elite is a complex and deeply ingrained issue that requires sustained attention and effort to address. However, by understanding the mechanisms of oppression, and by mobilizing to challenge the status quo, the Nigerian people can create a more just and equitable society.

The oppression perpetuated by the Nigerian elite has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the realm of politics and economics. It has created a culture of impunity, where individuals with wealth and influence believe they are above the law. This has led to a proliferation of alleged fraudsters and criminals, who use their ill-gotten gains to acquire security details and oppress their fellow citizens.

For instance, it is not uncommon to see individuals accused of fraud and other financial crimes, flaunting their wealth and influence on social media. They often acquire security details, including police escorts and bodyguards, which they use to intimidate and oppress others. This has created a culture of fear and silence, where individuals are reluctant to speak out against these alleged fraudsters, for fear of retribution.

Furthermore, the oppression perpetuated by the Nigerian elite has also led to the emergence of a new class of oppressors – the “yahoo yahoo” boys. These are young men who have made a fortune through online fraud and other cybercrimes. They often use their wealth and influence to acquire security details and oppress their fellow citizens.

In some cases, these “yahoo yahoo” boys have been known to use their security details to intimidate and harass individuals who dare to speak out against them. They have also been known to use their wealth and influence to bribe law enforcement officials and avoid prosecution.

Another practical example of how the oppression has reached the lowest class of the society is the case of the “agberos” or motor park touts. These are individuals who have been empowered by the elite to collect taxes and levies from motorists and traders. They often use their power and influence to oppress and intimidate others, and have been known to use violence and extortion to get what they want.

In addition, the oppression perpetuated by the Nigerian elite has also led to the emergence of a culture of thuggery and violence. Many individuals, especially young men, have been empowered by the elite to use violence and intimidation to achieve their goals. This has created a culture of fear and silence, where individuals are reluctant to speak out against these thugs, for fear of retribution.

In conclusion, the oppression perpetuated by the Nigerian elite has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the realm of politics and economics. It has created a culture of impunity, where individuals with wealth and influence believe they are above the law. It has also led to the emergence of a new class of oppressors, including the "yahoo yahoo" boys and the "agberos". To address this issue, it is essential to promote a culture of accountability and transparency, where individuals are held accountable for their actions, regardless of their wealth and influence.

•Mike-Nifty A.A is a positive enthusiast and a public affairs analyst ,reach him via nifty.mics@yahoo.com