BIBLICAL MODELS OF LEADERSHIP: LESSONS FOR NIGERIAN DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

Nigeria has experienced bad leadership which has affected governance over the years. This has also contributed to poor development of the country. The Church or Christians have failed to provide exemplary leadership and influence good governance in Nigeria. Some Christians who have occupied leadership positions at various levels of governance in Nigeria have not provided good examples to emulate. Yet, the Bible presents some models of good leaders. Drawing from the Bible this paper analyses the concept of leadership styles and qualities that were demonstrated by some leaders in the Old Testament with focus on Joseph and King David. The study adopts a comparative study method, partly historical, religio-contextual and analytical and is related to the Christian perspective. Secondary sources, like Bible commentaries, books, journals and newspaper articles both print and online have been made use of in the study. The paper identifies some leadership qualities demonstrated by these models which include the fear of God, possession of vision and strategy, courage, humility, skills, selflessness and integrity. These models provided good leadership and were successful. The paper recommends that for Nigeria and her people to experience a positive turn around; all political and religious leaders at the national, state, and local government levels must learn and emulate the good qualities of biblical leaders such as Moses, King David and Joseph. They were courageous, humble, skilful, and had no personal ambitions. They led by example exhibiting the fear of God.