ABSTRACT
This research article delves into the intricate interplay between leadership complexities and the sociopolitical regression of the Nigerian nation, drawing parallels to the metaphor of rocket science and the state of nature theory. The study dissects the root causes of Nigeria’s descent into a state of nature characterized by institutional decay, socio-economic disparities, and governance deficits. By examining contemporary leadership practices in the country, the research uncovers systemic failures in leadership selection, decision-making processes, and accountability mechanisms that have collectively contributed to the nation’s tumultuous development-journey. The study invokes the state of nature theory, first conceptualized by political philosophers, to highlight the erosion of social contracts and the erosion of citizens’ trust in institutions. The cascading effects of inadequate leadership on national cohesion, economic development, and societal well-being are explored in the paper. The article offers a plausible framework to comprehend the intricate web of leadership dynamics that have propelled the Nigerian nation toward a state resembling the hypothetical “state of nature.” The analysis underscores the urgency for transformative leadership reforms, institutional overhauls, and civic engagement to arrest the declining trajectory and to foster a sustainable ascent toward prosperity and stability.
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