Poor Political Leadership: Quagmire to National and Political Unity in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper looked at poor political leadership in Nigeria as a bane and or quagmire to Nigeria’s togetherness, political and national unity. Nigeria is a multicultural economy with diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural practices that has given rise to political and religious differences. The political unity, teamness and progressiveness have over the years being given a lips-sided attention by those in the herm of affairs in Nigeria. Albeit, several governments and political parties have embarked on various policies aimed at strengthening the peace and unity of the most populous black nations of the world; there seems to be no clear direction and strategic focus in dealing with the root causes, which in some cases are being occasioned by political, tribal and religious differences. African nations, particularly Nigeria have been branded with such issues–ranging from poor political leadership, poor economic policies, religious bigotry, unemployment, poor infrastructures, poverty, mistrust, illiteracy, selfishness/egotism, high mortality rate, low standard of living, insecurity, decaying health sector, corruption, terrorism, banditry,  misuse of the rule of law, mismanagement of the nation’s natural resources, nepotism, internal conflicts, strikes (particularly amongst the university’s academic staff, medical workers, etc.), poor funding of our educational sector, consumption economy, etc. In analysing this poor political leadership trend, therefore, the researcher concludes that total synergy, teamwork and balanced approaches by our political leaders in nation building, and at the same time a change in the mind-set of the masses will enhance, and or improve togetherness, unity, and progressiveness amongst Nigerians, and other African nations.