Political Leadership and Underdevelopment in Nigeria

A Study of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research delves into the issue of poor leadership and underdevelopment in Nigeria, with a focus on the Igbo-Eze North local government area in Enugu State. The challenges associated with leadership and developments in Nigeria are well documented, especially in this age of globalization. While many tend to blame the North's industrialized western nations, the source of Nigeria's problems lies in the country's own leadership response to critical issues, including poverty, food security, political instability, and technological development. The study aims to determine the nature, effect, and remedy of leadership and development in the Igbo-Eze North local Government Area of Enugu state. The study utilized a multi-stage sampling method with a sample size of 360 respondents. Face and content validity and Cronbach alpha were employed to validate and evaluate the reliability of the questionnaire. Data was gathered from the respondents through questionnaire method, and descriptive statistics featuring simple percentage and mean were used to analyze the data. The results demonstrated that poor leadership and underdevelopment were prevalent in Igbo-Eze North, with embezzlement, favoritism, and bribery characterizing leadership in the region during the last two political dispensations. Additionally, leadership was discovered to have a significant influence on development in the area. The study also proposes potential solutions to leadership and underdevelopment problems, such as reframing leadership, overhauling the educational and healthcare systems, and constructing a healthy economy. The report proposes remedies, including rebuilding the educational and healthcare systems, and creating a thriving economy, to address leadership and underdevelopment in the specific area and throughout Nigeria.