Good Governance: A Panancea For Peace And Stability In

Governance is the process of decision making and the process by which decision are implemented or not implemented. Governance can be used in several contexts such as corporate governance. International governance, national governance and local governance. In this paper, emphasis is laid on national governance. It is an approach or perspective which focuses on state and societal institutions and the relationships between them as well as on how rules are made in the society which are accepted as legitimate and enhance values that are sought by individuals and groups within the society. Eight characteristics of good governance were examined in this paper as applied to other advanced nations of the world. Bad governance as a bane of underdevelopment and poverty in Nigeria were highlighted, touching the various aspects which contributed too the underdevelopment of the nation. Finally ways of ensuring good governance in Nigeria were discussed with the resultant effects of creating national security for the nation and stable political system