ABSTRACT
If Africa has been successful in some endeavors during the past five decades, perhaps one of those endeavors has been in propping up a few strong men who have presided over the affairs of the various African states with the proverbial iron hand. The African “big man” can be found in different sectors, from politics to businesses. While the big men in public or private sector have similar characteristics of elite privileges and a condescending attitude towards the majority, the major focus of this chapter is with the big men in public office. The big men in politics usually act as patrons, and their interests and obligations directed “first and foremost, to their kith and kin, their clients, their communities, their regions, or even to their religion.” 1 In order to maintain his status and service the network of clients, the big man must draw resources from the state 2 ; and in the process deny the state of resources that could have been invested in improving society’s overall welfare. Generally, the big man amasses so much personal fortune that he becomes a sort of outlier in terms of wealth and privileges when compared with the majority of the population. He is revered by many and enjoys undue privileges from every angle. In most cases, the typical African big man is not subject to the same rules that guide every other citizen.
