X-RAYING OF NIGERIAN LEADERS FROM THE MODEL OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP OF THE GOSPEL OF MARK 10: 35-45 AND THE SWORN OATH OF OFFICE: ANY HOPE FOR GOOD LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA

Abstract

There is no doubt that different leadership styles have their own advantages and disadvantages that makes them a better model depending on the context. The very notion of a servant as leader, or “servant-leadership” as it has come to be known, is purposefully oxymoronic and arresting in nature. Where the leader-first dynamic is oriented to appease a personal desire for power, the servant leader looks first at how their service benefits others. According to Greenleaf’s observations, the servant leader approaches situations and organizations from the perspective of a servant first, looking to lend their presence to answer the needs of the organization and others. Servant leaders seek to address stakeholder wants and requirements as their priority, with leadership to be pursued secondarily. This contrasts with the leader-first perspective, wherein a person aims to gain control quickly often driven by the desire and prospects for material gain or influence. The study found the servant leadership model grossly lacking in Nigeria, which give cause for concern in the quest for good leadership in Nigeria. In the light of the issues in literature, the following recommendations were made; that there is need for attitudinal change targeted at imbibing relevant values that will promote selfless service amongst leaders; there is need to put some measures in place to effectively guard against flagrant abuse of the sworn oath of office by Nigerian political leaders and there should be mass education and public enlightenment campaign to educate the citizens on the importance of leadership as call to service.