Interrogating Ethical Political Leadership and Democratic Paradigm in Kogi State, Nigeria, 2003-2015

Abstract

This study titled interrogating ethical Political leadership and democratic Paradigm in Kogi State, Nigeria, 2003-2015 is written to examine the strategies adopted by political leaders in Kogi State as how such has been effective. The study also evaluates the challenges encountered by political leaders how its effect on good governance in Kogi state from 2003 through 2015. The study adopted qualitative research which is seen as the systematic subjective approach applied to describe life experiences and give meaning to such experiences. Thus, fifteen respondents were interviewed. The study also explored two theoretical postulations that is, structural functionalism and trait theories. The study revealed that political leadership has not been effective in Kogi state and such has been the bane of socio-economic development in Kogi state. The study also showed that Kogi state has been characterized with several political challenges which have slowed down development in the state. The study recommends that the three organs of government (Executive, Legislature and Judiciary) should be properly institutionalized with the view to creating a virile avenue for proper checks and balances. Through this measure, those at the helm of affairs will be able to perform their functions without any form of recklessness or violation of extant laws. Also, other regulatory bodies particularly the anti-graft agencies should be adequately empowered to scrutinize and carry out the duties freely while mass media is given easy access to verify the score cards of political leaders, as through this the leaders will carry out their duties conscientiously.