REFLECTIONS ON SERVANT LEADERSHIP OF JESUS IN MARK 10: 35-45: ITS IMPLICATION FOR NIGERIAN LEADERSHIP

Nigeria has been plagued with many social ills ranging from insecurity, corruption, embezzlement, economic woes, social distingration, political instability, tribal discrimination, religious bigotry and gross violation of human rights. These problems threaten the survival of individuals and the entire nation. The effect of these ills has pushed Nigerians into abject poverty, penury and backwardness. The situation is been attributed to ‘bad’ leadership among other factors. Therefore, Nigeria is at the mercy of a few corrupt, tyrannical and wicked leaders. Scholars have treated the concept of leadership, qualities of good leadership, theory of leadership, principles of leadership, features of a good leader and servant leadership. But these scholars have not paid attention to the exemplary leadership as contained the Mark’s gospel, Chapter 10:35-45 and its implications on Nigerian society. In view of the aforementioned corrupt practices among the leadership, the study examines the servant leadership pattern of Jesus as contained in Mark 10 verses 35-45 as template for Nigerian leadership. The research employs the narrative, descriptive and hermeneutical methods. The finding reveals that people that are saddled with the responsibility of governance misconstrued the essence of governance and abuse their privileged position. Servant leadership is an ideal instrument of good governance, and servant leadership and good governance are independent variables that are inseparable. The study concludes that the Jesus servant-leadership model is an ideal pattern and sure way to secure good governance, and therefore recommends that leaders should see their position as opportunity to serve and not to be served, which they will give account and will be held accountable.