Religious Ideals and Responsible Leadership: The Shepherd Model and Lessons for Nigeria’s Fledging Democracy

Nigeria is a country where religion thrives in the form of Christianity, Islam and African indigenous religion. Paradoxically, Nigeria is also a country where amorality thrives. A t all levels of governance, amorality has been a prom inent feature of Nigerian politics. This study discusses religion, morality and politics nexus in Nigeria. It argues that though religion has played indispensable roles in the authoritative allocation of values and distribution of political offices in Nigeria, it has failed to make positive impacts on political life and governance in the country. The study also demonstrates that the “shepherd model”, an ideal biblical form of leadership, is the right solution to Nigeria’s governance and perennial leadership crisis.