Political Leadership and Good Governance in Bayelsa State: An Assessment of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson’s Administration, 2016-2024
Abstract
Leadership is a critical factor which determines the success or failure of governance in any state. Political leadership is therefore very important if a nation wants to develop and as well build sustainable structures in place which will guarantee the continuous growth and development of their society. This study looked at the political leadership of the Governor Henry Seriake Dickson’s administration, 2016-2020 in a bid to examine the impact of his administration on governance in Bayelsa State. The study is guided by two research questions and two objectives. The study made use of secondary data gotten from textbooks, journals, seminar papers and newspapers amongst others. Transformational leadership theory was employed as a theoretical framework for the study while content analysis was used to examine the role of political leadership in good governance in Bayelsa State between 2016-2020. The findings, among others, proved that political leadership style of Governor Seriake Dickson made a positive difference in the State notwithstanding the challenges, and that political leadership in any society play a critical role in the advancement of such society. The study therefore recommends, among others, that the present administration should put in place mechanisms that will help sustain the legacies of the previous government and that political leaders at all levels of government should be sent for leadership training and retraining seminars as this will help get them ready for service.
Keywords
Leadership
Political Leadership
Transformational Leadership and Good
References
Akanbi, M.M. (2004). Corruption, accountability, and good governance. In H.A. Saliu (ed.) Nigeria under democratic rule (1999-2003). Ibadan University Press Plc. Akase, P. S. (2003). Development as Ethics and Accountability in Governance: The way forward for Nigeria. The inaugural lecture delivered in Benue state University, Nigeria on the 5th of March 2003. Adegbami, A., & Uche, C. N. (2015). Ethnicity and ethnic politics: An impediment to political development in Nigeria. Public Administration Research Journal. 4(1), 50-53 Achebe, C. (1998). The trouble with Nigeria. Fourth Dimension Publishing Co. Ltd Adeyemi, L.O. (2012). The challenges of democratic governance in Nigeria. International Journal of Business and Social Science. 3(3), 322-329. Bell, H., & Smith, D.M. (2002). Developing leadership abilities. Prentice Hall Publishers. Chemers, M. M. (2002). Cognitive, social, and emotional intelligence of transformational leadership: Efficacy and effectiveness. In R. E. Riggio, S. E. Murphy, & F. J. Pirozzolo (Eds.). Multiple intelligences and leadership. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Daniel, S. (December 22, How Gov Dickson is transforming Bayelsa’. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/gov-dickson-transforming-bayelsa/ Daniel, C., Nnamani, O., & Johnpaul, N. (2022). Governance and political leadership in Africa: Focus on Nigeria @ 59. International Journal of Academic Research in Psychology, 4(3),36-46. Dickson, C. (2011). Good governance in Nigeria. http://saharareporters.com/article/good- governance-nigeria-tuwo-and- oup-metaphor-prince-charles-dickson. Epelle, A. (2023). Transformational leadership and good governance in Rivers State: The governor Nyesom Wike era. In A. Epelle, D. M., Harry, and P.K. Inokoba (2023). Leadership, public service, and administration of tertiary institutions in Nigeria: A festschrift in honour of Dr. Samuel B. Kalagbor. pp. 70-75 Ewepu, G. (November 18, 2015). 2nd Term: Why Bayelsans want Gov Dickson – Hon Ogidi. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/why-bayelsans-want-gov-dickson-back-hon- ogidi/ Folaranmi, F. (15th December 2021). Bayelsa pays N900 million to service students’ loans. https://sunnewsonline.com/bayelsa-pays-n900-million-to-service-students-loans/ Ijaya, M., & Ijaya, G. (2006). Transparency in governance and economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Cross country analysis. Babcock Journal of Management and Social Science. 2 (4), 45-47 Imhonopi, D., & Urim, U. M. (2013). Leadership crisis and corruption in the Nigerian public sector: An albatross of national development. The African Symposium, 13(1), 78-87. Iyoha, F.O., Gberevbie, D.F., Iruonagbe, C.T., & Egharevba, M.E. (2015). Cost of governance in Nigeria: In whose interest? International Journal of Social, Education, Economics and Management Engineering. 9(1), 23-27. Jung, D. D., & Sosik, J. J. (2002). Transformational leadership in work groups. The role of empowerment, Cohesive, and Collective. Efficacy on Perciered Group Performance. Small Group Research. P. 313 – 336. Keohane, N. O. (2010). Thinking about leadership. Prrinceton University Press. Kolade, C. (2012). The possibility of good governance in Nigeria. http:www.businessdayonline.com/NG/index.php/news/111. Minogue, M. (1997). The principles and practice of good governance. British Council Booklet. Muhammad, A.K. (2013). The challenges of democratic consolidation in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. European Scientific Journal. 9(8), 246-253. News diary (February 7, 2013). Bayelsa Builds Five Referral Hospitals, Two Health Centres for Commissioning. https://newsdiaryonline.com/bayelsa-builds-five-referral-hospitals-two- health-centres-for-commissioning/ Nimizigha, A, A., Sapele, F.F., & Akinrolabu, D. R. (2019). An assessment of good governance and development in Nigeria: A study of Bayelsa State 2012-2019. Journal of Social Sciences, 8(1), 23-28 Nnabiife, N. K. E. (2010). Defining and enforcing ethical leadership in Nigeria. African Journal of Economic and Management Studies. 1(2), 25-41. Nyewusira, V., & Nweke. K. (2014). Nigeria and the attainment of sustainable development in the 21st century. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. 5, (4), 20-41. Nyewusira, V. (2007). Selected socio-political issues in Nigeria: Religious institutions as agents of change. Journal of Pedagogy and Educational Development, 12(1). Odumeru, J.A., & Ifeanyi, G.O. (2013). Transformational Vs. transactional leadership theories: Evidence in literature. International Review of Management and Business Research. 2(7), 34-36 Ogundiya, I.S. (2010). Corruption the bane of democratic stability in Nigeria. Journal of Social Sciences. 4(4), 233-241. Ologbenla, D. K. (2007). Leadership, governance and corruption in Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa. 9(5), 97-118. Omoyibo, K. U. (2013). Leadership, governance, and poverty in Nigeria. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. 4(6), 29-34 Omolayo, B. (2005). Leadership and citizenship development in Nigeria. In A. Agagu, and F. Omoteso (eds.) Citizenship education and government process. University of Ado-Ekiti Press. Onogu, S. (2013). Anambra: Jega regrets shoddy conduct of guber poll. Insists on supplementary election on Nov. 30 the Nation Newspaper, Saturday, November 23. 2013 Osuntokun, J. (1987). Leadership and development in Nigeria: Development outlook. An International Socio-Economic Development Magazine. 1(9), 113-126. Oyadongha, S. (April 8, 2017). Dickson declares revolution in Bayelsa. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/04/dickson-declares-revolution-bayelsa/ Premium Times (April 18, 2015). President Jonathan urged to hand over power on May 29, not https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/181639-president-jonathan- urged-to-hand-over-power-on-may-29-not-28.html Premium Times (December 14, 2013) Governor Dickson suspends nine Bayelsa teachers for dereliction of duty. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-east/151478- governor-dickson-suspends-nine-bayelsa-teachers-dereliction-duty.html Richardson, P. (2008). Good governance: Vital ingredient of economic development and management in Nigeria. Journal of Economics and Social Science. 44(4), 223-239. Robert, R. I. (2009). Governance and leadership in Africa: Measures, methods, and results. Journal of International Affairs. 62 (3), 113-126 Sahara Reporters (November 22, 2011). INEC Rejects Jonathan's Anointed Candidate For Bayelsa Election. https://saharareporters.com/2011/11/22/inec-rejects-jonathans- anointed-candidate-bayelsa-election#google_vignette Segun, E. (April 29, 2019). Bayelsa tertiary education loan scheme takes off soon, says Gov. Dickson. https://www.thexpressng.com/bayelsa-tertiary-education-loan-scheme-takes-off- soon-says-gov-dickson/ Shanum, S. (March 27, 2013). Democracy and Bad Leadership in Nigeria. Premium Times. http://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/127105-democracy-and-bad-leadership-in- nigeria-by-simon-shanum.html#sthash.v8wjxU0b.dpuf). Shama, S. D. (2007). Democracy, good governance, and economic development. Taiwan Journal of Democracy. 3(1), 29-62. The Tide (September 26, 2018). Dickson Signs Medical University Establishment Bill into Law. https://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2018/09/26/dickson-signs-medical-university- establishment-bill-into-law/ Thisday (2021). Will Bayelsans Appreciate Dickson’s Development Strides? https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/22/will-bayelsans-appreciate-dicksons- development-strides Uzodike, U.O., & Whetho, A. (2011). Exhausted nationalism, misgovernance and ascendant Pentecostalism in Nigeria. Loyola Journal of Social Science. 25 (2), 17-19 Wilson, G. (2023). Political leadership values and governance of the state: The conceptual issues. Sapi
