ABSTRACT
The study set out to determine
the relationship between leadership and good governance as well as examine the
effects of leadership on good governance in Nigeria within the first decade of
the Fourth Republic. It also sought to identify the issues, challenges and
prospects associated with leadership and good governance, and proffered strategies
that would ensure that leadership facilitates good governance in Nigeria. The
field survey method and secondary analysis were used for the study. The field
survey method was to obtain public perception on the subject matter using open
ended questionnaires and unstructured interviews. The questionnaires were
issued to respondents within Jaji and Kaduna, which is considered a microcosm
of Nigeria. The data obtained were analysed to determine how leadership can be
strengthened towards ensuring good governance in the polity. The study found
out that political leadership has been seriously bedeviled by electoral
problems, corruption and dishonesty among others leading to mismanagement of
resources and poor infrastructural development. Some of the identified
challenges include delayed prosecution of corrupt officials, lack of grassroots
development, poor budget implementation and lack of dedicated national fund.
Others are abuse of the electoral process, demand for undue loyalty, insecurity
and negative orientation to leadership. Far reaching strategies were proffered
to mitigate the challenges including multi-pronged anti-corruption package,
enhancing grassroots development, funding of capital projects and improvement
of security among others. Finally, the study recommended the removal of the
Immunity Clause from the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
(CFRN). Others are the commencement of electronic voting system towards
improved elections, independent candidacy during elections and national reorientation
towards leadership. These if achieved would reposition Nigeria on the path of
development, good governance and greatness in line with her Vision 20:2020.