National Development and Political Corruption in Nigeria: Leadership at Crossroad.

Abstract

This paper empirical examines the emerging patterns and effect of unethical behaviour as reflected through corrupt practices of leaders in Nigeria vis-à-vis its consequences on the national development. It has two models which illustrates the consequences of corruption on the national development. A total sum of 1100 questionnaires were administered randomly among identified strata of the population in Lagos and Osun states which enables the respondents to list 30 unethical acts as committed by their leaders thus impeding the attainment of noble goals that could have heralded development in different spheres of the economy culminating into national development in the country in view of the available wealth in the country. It was revealed that the recklessness and impunity displaced by the leaders with respect to resources available as further compounded the developmental processes in the country thus generating great concerns on the leadership of the country. A clarion call for dramatic change in the behaviour of these leaders for any meaningful development to take place otherwise the youth who are the leaders of tomorrow may have no role model whose behaviours are worthy of emulation thus mortgaging the future of the country. The change should be in the direction of integrity, honesty and sound moral values to sustain discipline needed for national development.

Key words: Corruption, National Development, Moral values, Leadership and Discipline.