No nation stands a better chance of formulating and implementing substantial policies that will result to her sustainable development without a reputable and effective leadership. Although leadership has been known as a process that involves setting out objectives and achievement of goals, identifying problems and initiating change for the purpose of improving the existing conditions, but it also represents a process of influence between a leader and the followers aimed primarily at attaining mutual goals and objectives of the society or nation. It is imperative to note that leadership is not the responsibility of the leader alone but requires the co-operative efforts of the citizens (followers).

The president (leader) forms the central and vital part of the leadership process. Consequent upon this, adequate care has to be taken by Nigerians in democratically electing a president in 2011 that will possess these enviable qualities and values:

Wisdom: This is the principal quality any person aspiring for the position of the president must strive to possess for him or her to be able to translate ideas into reality. A personal ability acquired through thinking and experience, Nigerians need a president who is capable to know what knowledge needed in a given situation, how to circulate and renew that knowledge by working with other arms of government and how to effectively use it to solve a problem or achieve a goal. Although Nigeria belongs to a society where materials and energy constitute the most sought after resources, still we need a president that will embrace possession and mastery of knowledge as the new standard of economic value.

Competence: Nigerians will begin to have good appreciation and understanding of the fact that being a leader is related more to individual capabilities and competences rather than cabal or cliques. A quality that better describes who is best at what he or she knows how to do well, Nigerians needs a president who is committed in offering guidance to the entire executive council as well as the legislature (subordinates) on their responsibilities, informing them of policy changes, explaining reasons for decisions, and getting the subordinates’ reactions before going ahead with a new plan. It is obvious to say that it is a quality that justifies flexibility and versatility as the integral characteristics of effective leadership.

Ethical: Nations cling to democratically elected government to ensure that the rights and the dignity of the citizenry are fully respected. Any leader that strives for this quality always demonstrates a level of integrity, accountability and transparency which forms the basics of convincing the masses to accept his or her vision. Our nation needs a president that will embrace the interest of the masses at heart, struggling for what he or she can offer to Nigeria and not what Nigeria can offer in return. An ethical president does not exhibit autocracy rather he or she involves the subordinates in decision making processes taking full consideration on how their decisions impact the masses. It is worthwhile to note that the significant means of affecting change in a nation is through sheared decision making and participation. Although this does not suggest that the president will depend totally on the decisions of the subordinates, but will adopt his social power and authority in exerting influence while maintaining system progress and equity in the polity.

Peaceful: Our nation has long ago suffered from insecurity, political and economic instability. We need a president who will maintain enough stability and continuity to sustain optimism and hope for our dear nation. This will involve restoration of internal and external broken relationships resulting to conflicts resolution. It implies negotiating and settling the religious/ethnic crises that have invaded our nation. We need a patriotic president who is committed to the unity and advancement of our country Nigeria. Although good sense of humour is a relevant aptitude or behaviour a president must definitely exhibit or display in pursuit of peace, it does not imply that he or she will be weak in actions. If a sense of humour will be adopted, it will be with a serious intent.

Result oriented: It is obvious to note that effectiveness in leadership requires goal setting, implementation, evaluation and feedback. But translating decisions into action is a precious skill which goes a long way towards making a leader effective. We need a president that will clearly define his goals whose structure align or mesh well with its activities so as to achieve a desired result. In the context of participative or democratic leadership, we need a president who will prefer to work with the best and talented professionals as subordinates in the executive arm rather than personalities imposed on him or her by virtue of individuals and political party recommendations. It is well known that such personalities always struggle for the satisfaction of their personal interest rather than interest of the nation while slowing down the pace of good governance. We need a president who will understand that good governance can only be achieved when good intentions which are sometimes presented as point agendas are translated into actions.

Trust: This is a quality that grows out of experience and develops with time. We need a president that will provide the direction to follow when clarity is lacking about what is to be done and how. With trust, the subordinates and the masses will be able to take the risk to proceed with his or her directive tolerating the costs involved in the process. It is a strong quality and tool that will help to eliminate all forms of agitations from the masses and subordinates.

Inspirational: There is the need for the president to be an inspirational leader. This helps to promote sense of individual achievement and recognition. It motivates the subordinates, engaging them in intellectual and emotional commitment creating an atmosphere where both parties are equally responsible in the pursuit of their common goal. A president with these qualities will lead Nigeria into peace and prosperity.