Integrity and Accountability as Instruments for Good Governance in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria, a land of diverse and multiple ethnic nationalities, has weathered and is still weathering turbulent storms socially, politically, religiously and economically to survive as an individual and corporate entity since being christened a geographical entity in 1914. And in the arduous task of building a virile and egalitarian society like Nigeria, successive leaders both military and civilian had mapped out plans and strategies that have not seen the light of the day because of bad governance, lack of integrity, and accountability. This paper, therefore, intends to discuss how integrity and accountability can serve as tools for achieving good governance in Nigeria using the philosophies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr Nnamdi Azikwe. The research is both qualitative and descriptive while the documentation method is used to collect data and textual analysis is used to analyse the collected data. The evidence from this study reveals that it is obvious that integrity occupies a pride of place in the reconstruction of the Nigerian public sector. In this light, it is recommended that for Nigeria to function properly, trustworthy leaders who have robust education and have risen above corruption and selfishness are needed to achieve good governance in Nigeria.