Critical Appraisal of Leadership in Nigeria Context

Abstract

Nigeria state is an alignment of nations, organized together by the caprices of colonial, boundaries. This “state” followed “nation”. In essence; “Nigeria” came into being long before a significant number of its citizens felt themselves to be “Nigerian”. They sensed themselves far more likely to be Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani, Ijaw, Tiv, than citizens of Nigeria (Welch 1995)

The Emir was the highest authority (leader) in the North, the Oba was the highest authority (leader) in the west, the Igwe was the highest authority (leader) in the east and the Amayamabo was the highest authority (leader) in the south. This implies that the different ethnic groups that make up Nigeria as a nation was practicing their traditional forms of leadership in the day to day administration of their ethnic groups.

At Independence Nigeria adopted the parliamentary system of government favoured by her colonial master, the United Kingdom. But after series of coups and counter coups she opted for the presidential system of government. That is Federalism.

In the first Republic the ceremonial President was, Nnamdi Azikwe, from October 1, 1963 to January 16, 1966 while Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was the prime Minister from October 11963 to January 16, 1966.

The country was split into three geographical regions-western regions, Eastern region and northern region with independence, power over the regions was given to Nigeria- born citizens and regional legislatives were established.

It is expedient at this juncture to define what leadership is and various leadership styles.

According to Myles Munroe (1993), “Leadership is the capacity to influence, inspire, rally, direct, encourage, motivate, induce, move, mobilize and activate others to pursue a common goal or purpose while maintaining commitment, momentum confidence and courage”.

Federalism is a system of government that separates the powers of government between the national (Federal) government and State and Local government. Under Federalism, each level of government has sovereignty in some areas and shares powers in other areas.

Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, after many years of agitation for nationhood became Governor General of Nigerian federation at in Independence from British in 1963, when the country was declared a republic.

Between 1963 to date , Nigeria have experienced different leaderships under the Federal system of Government with different approach to governance, in the first, second, third and fourth republic.

According to Lewin there are three major leadership styles; namely the authoritarian Leadership (Autocratic), the participative leadership, Democratic and the delegetive (Laissez-faire) Leadership.

1. Authoritarian or Autocratic Leadership style is that style of leadership that leaders make decisions independently with little or no input from the rest of the group.
2. Participative or Democratic Leadership style is that leadership style where the decision making process cut across all levels of the society, by promoting the interest of the group members and by practicing social equality though this style of leadership still need guidance and control by a specific leader.LL 2 that the decision making is up to group members with little or no guidance to group members by a leader.