ETHICAL LEADERSHIP AND BUREAUCRATIC CORRUPTION IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA, 2015–2024

Abstract

This study examines the influence of ethical leadership on bureaucratic corruption in Rivers State, Nigeria, between 2015 and 2024. The central problem is whether ethical leadership can counter corrupt practices within the state’s public service. Guided by Transformational Leadership Theory, the study investigates how ethical leadership affects bureaucratic corruption, identifies conditions that facilitate corruption and proposes measures for strengthening leadership practice in public institutions. It adopts a qualitative documentary approach and analyses published government reports, academic journal articles and credible news materials concerning the relationship between leadership and corruption. The findings indicate that ethical leadership can reduce corrupt practices, but weak regulatory frameworks, political interference and inadequate accountability limit its effectiveness. Transformational leaders who demonstrate integrity, transparency and ethical conduct are better positioned to discourage corruption. The study concludes that ethical leadership must be supported by effective institutions. It recommends compulsory ethics and leadership training for public officials, stronger accountability mechanisms and a sustained culture of transparency to reduce bureaucratic corruption in Rivers State.