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The Route to Power in Nigeria: A Dynamic Engagement Option for Current and Aspiring Leaders. By MJ. Balogun. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009. Pp. xiv, 264; bibliography, index. $80.00.
As Nigeria celebrates fifty years of independence, it is a good time to reflect upon the performance of its leaders. Balogun provides both a theoretical and empirical framework to his account of Nigerian leadership through its four civilian republics and multiple military governments. He offers five factors of leadership: foresight and prevision; charisma; capacity to build support; grassroots support; and understanding of the political realm. Though vision is a key element of leadership, he proposes the concept of "dynamic engagement" as the main factor likely to improve leadership. By this, he means that leaders must engage with society around them and ultimately harmonize the...