<![CDATA[The quest for good governance and political integrity in Nigeria is not just an institutional one, but one that demands moral leadership that can channel public power to the good of the people. This article discusses religious ethics as a source of good governance through exegetical analysis of 1 Peter 5:2-3. The study interprets Peter's instructions to shepherds to refuse dishonest gain, avoid domination and to lead by example. The study employed qualitative textual analysis and integrative synthesis. It establishes that the commands in 1 Peter 5: 2-3 form a holistic framework for stewardship, voluntary service, financial rectitude, accountable authority and exemplary behaviour. Although the passage is an admonition to the elders in Christian communities, the ethical principles are applicable in addressing political leadership in Nigeria. The study demonstrates that ethical values and principles inculcated in leaders through religious education can help improve political integrity by breeding leaders who would not be susceptible to corrupting influences, who would observe the tenets of noble politics, defend helpless citizens and think about the interests of the nation rather than of their own or of their followers. The study advocates adopting the Ethical Leadership Framework enshrined in the text, as it demonstrates a connection between religious moral formation, stewardship, integrity, non-domination, accountability, public example, and good governance and sustainable nation-building. It holds that religious institutions have a positive role to perform in terms of ethico-moral education, in public advocacy and in credible institutional practice]]>
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