EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP STYLE IN NIGERIA: AN IMPERATIVE FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Leadership has become a resource for the holder of state power as it provides him/her the opportunity to seek self-interest to the maximum space possible. While for those outside the corridors of state power leadership is a source of exploitation, pain and deprivation of their fundamental right to an egalitarian society. This picture of leadership has generally resulted in the increasing apathy and lack of trust for government among most Nigerian. In which case, most Nigerian does not see leadership as constituted to contribute to the peaceful attainment of their progressive socio-economic goal. This view is anchored against the role of Nigeria leadership in significantly contributing to the depression of the national economy, continued failed development process and the irrational and staled implementation of the policy option of privatization. Despite the poor showing of leadership in Nigeria it is a valued resource which if effective articulated and operated has the capacity to contribute to the efficient mobilization of national resources by genuinely turning the depression for the good of all and also promoting national development. This paper using the documentary and analytical approach has examined the contesting issues about leadership and its place and utility for national development in Nigeria.