FOLLOWERSHIP AND LEADERSHIP AS A MEANS OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Background to the Study
Leadership and followership are mutual activities of great influence to national development in all parts of the world. In Nigeria, after her independence in 1960, Nigeria moved from Parliamentary system of government to Presidential system of government, she has experienced both civilian and military regimes yet, her leaders have been unable to deliver to her citizens the quality of life commensurate with her numerous endowed resources. In Nigeria, government has failed to provide portable drinking water, electricity, good roads, effective service delivery, employment, housing scheme, quality health care, quality education, credible electoral system etc.

According to Ngwube (2010), the trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is the inability of Nigerian leaders to rise to the challenge of personal example which according to Achebe (2001), is the hallmark of true leadership. In fairness to Achebe, our leaders have not led by example. Ngwube affirmed that, sycophancy; and mere oratories have not helped the situation but have rather compounded it. The quality and ingenuity of a country’s leadership can make or mar a country’s development or growth.

Leadership can decisively influence the quality of life of her people and her national power vis-à-vis annihilating them through war and poor governance (Irikana, 2012). The perception of the followers of their leaders in Nigeria is an issue of great importance. In most cases the followers hold the view that their leaders lacks the skill required for governance, and that the leaders act not in accordance with the needs and aspirations of the people but in accordance with their personal agenda or interests not unconnected with imperialistic forces.
Followership in Nigeria has not generated much debate. But there have been cases of resistance movements that have been spearheaded by followers. These resistance cases are protest against poor governance and ineptitude of Nigerian Leaders (Irikana, 2012). Nigerian followers are very loyal and supportive to leadership and have participated actively in the achievement of the nation’s goals. Though when a people are ravaged by poverty, it will weaken their ability to rise up to their challenges of checkmating the excesses of their leaders. This docility will have a great negative impact on Leader- followership relationship.

Leaders that are checkmated by their followers will limit their excesses and realign themselves to public opinion. But in the midst of docility and sycophancy, leaders will be getting away with their misappropriations and ineptitude. But competition among elites seeking leadership status can be a major source of conflict and check on leadership (Lawal, 2011). Leadership can be conceived both from the macro and micro level. Macro level refers to societal governance; while micro refers to group or organizational governance. This research will be discussing Leadership at the macro level which encapsulates the latter. It will look into the concept of leadership, types, qualities, functions and problems of leadership from the Nigerian perspective. The study is aimed at enlightening political leaders and their followers of their responsibilities in promoting good governance in Nigeria.