Leadership, Corruption and Governance in Nigeria: Issues and Categorical Imperatives

Abstract

Nigeria is inundated with rich human and material resources begging to be harvested by purposeful, creative and innovative leadership. Leadership that is based on the cultural values of the people and takes a Bottom-top approach holds the key to unlocking the development quagmire Nigeria has found itself. However, this is not the case due to leadership failure, corruption and bad governance. Within the framework of theories of the two public and nature of society, an eclectic approach, the paper examines the issues of leadership, corruption and governance with a view to adumbrate the trajectory of an efficacious leadership and governance modus operandi capable of finding solutions to Nigeria’s myriad problems. Also examined is the enigmatic nature of corruption in Nigeria that has made it a lucrative venture. The paper confirms earlier position that leadership, corruption and bad governance are the bane militating against development in Nigeria. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to enthrone effective leadership and good governance that could expunge the scourge of corruption from the nation's body polity. The first fundamental step among other measures is transformation of the state from an alien force to an entity that caters for the welfare and wellbeing of the people. Yet, the need for patriotic, visionary and missionary leaders cannot be overstated because a nation can only be great when it has leaders that plant trees whose shades they know they shall never seat in. The followers should as well perform their obligatory and non-obligatory civic duties and responsibilities.

Key words: Development, Corruption, Leadership, Governance, Transformation