LEADERSHIP SKILL AND ACHIEVING SECURITY IN AN ERA OF DISRUPTION IN ANAMBRA STATE: A WAY FORWARD FOR NIGERIA

Abstract

This study on leadership skill and achieving security in an era of disruption in Anambra State: a way forward for Nigeria is a timely one now that security challenges is testing the potency of this present administration to keep the country secure. The study examined four specific objectives which identified the security challenges peculiar to the study area, examine the effect of leadership technical skill in ensuring adequate security, determined the effect of leadership human skills in ensuring adequate security, and ascertained the core security values existing in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study used a multi-stage sampling technique to collect data from 168 leaders in Anambra State communities. A combination of analytical tool such as descriptive statistics and probit regression were used.  Some of the security challenges reported include herders-farmers clash, youth restiveness as a result of unemployment and militancy among others. The study also found that leadership technical skills that help ensure security in the study area include development of village Vigilante group (community policy), erecting of gates at the village entrance, investigation of suspicious person or moves and mobilization of security patrol team. On the other hand, the human skills reported are literacy, experience in security matters, good organizing skill, good decision making ability and good resource management skills. Among the seven core security value, only cultural identity and territorial integrity. The technical skill that influenced security is investigating any suspicious person or moves while the human skill that influenced security include literacy and good organizing skill. With this the study suggest that leaders before selection or election should be literate and must be experienced in the security of the environment.