Analysing the Discourse on Corruption in Presidential Speeches in Nigeria, 1957- 2015: Systemic Functional Linguistics and Critical Discourse Analysis Frameworks
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Analysing the Discourse on Corruption in Presidential Speeches in Nigeria, 1957- 2015: Systemic Functional Linguistics and Critical Discourse Analysis Frameworks Hakeem Olafemi Ogunmuyiwa A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Linguistics, University of the Western Cape. April, 2019 Supervisor: Professor Bassey E. Antia http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ Key Words Corruption Presidential speeches Nigerian presidents Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) Discourse Appraisal Transitivity Ideology i http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ Abstract Corruption as a concept is viewed differently by various disciplines, but there seems to be consensus that it relates to the misuse of public office for private gain. Studies in the social sciences, mainly political science, economics, sociology and law, have provided valuable insights into the subject, for example, its causes, manifestations and consequences. In a country such as Nigeria, corruption is said to have cost the country up to $20 trillion between 1960 and 2005, and it could cost up to 37% of its GDP by 2030 if the situation is not urgently addressed. The paradox, however, is that although all successive leaders of the country have consistently articulated their anti-corruption posture in national speeches, they get accused by their successors of not being tough on corruption both in word and in deed. Regrettably, there have been relatively few close textual analyses of presidential speeches carried out within analytical frameworks in linguistics that have the potential of revealing how presidents can simultaneously talk tough and soft on corruption, a contradiction that could well explain the putative anti-corruption posture of the country’s leaders and the ever deepening corruption in the land. It is against this backdrop that this study draws on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) in order to examine language choices related to the theme of corruption in speeches made by Nigerian presidents from 1957 to 2015. The objectives of the study are to (1) provide an overview of how the discourse on corruption has evolved in Nigerian presidential speeches from 1957-2015; (2) determine specific facets of the construal of corruption from the dominant choices made from the system of transitivity (process, participants, circumstance) in speeches by different presidents and at different time points in their tenure in office; (3) analyse how the interpersonal metafunction of language is enacted in the speeches by the presidents through the system of appraisal for a strategy of positive self-presentation and negative other-presentation; (4) interrogate from a critical discourse analysis standpoint the interest, ideological, partisan or other bases for the choices made in the speeches from the systems associated with the experiential and interpersonal metafunctions of language; and (5) to evaluate the different presidents in terms of how the above analyses position them in relation to combating corruption. The findings show that the discourse on corruption has been present in the speeches of Nigerian leaders as early as 1957, shortly before the country’s independence. Also, the analysis reveals that language choices largely deployed by the presidents indicate strategic ambivalence towards tackling corruption. Interests, such as the quest for legitimacy, the need to consolidate power and the fear of post-tenure loss of immunity from prosecution, may explain the patterns of language choices observed in the speeches. Whereas this research has attended to what is said about corruption, it would be interesting for future research to focus on what is unsaid (silence) about corruption. ii http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ Declaration I declare that Analysing the Discourse on Corruption in Presidential Speeches in Nigeria, 1957- 2015: Systemic Functional Linguistics and Critical Discourse Analysis Frameworks is my own work, that it has not been submitted for any degree or examination in any other university and that all sources I have used or quoted have been indicated and acknowledged by complete references. Full name: Hakeem Olafemi Ogunmuyiwa Signed: _______________________________ Date: ____________________________ iii http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ Acknowledgements To start with, I remain submissive and profoundly grateful to the Owner of the world, the Giver of life and knowledge, God Almighty (Allah), for graciously granting me the wherewithal to accomplish this study. I thank my parents (of blessed memories) for preparing me for the lifelong challenges. There are lots of people I would like to thank for their support in one way or another. First of all, special mention goes to my dynamic and ebullient supervisor, Professor Bassey Antia, for his unfailing academic support, passion to impart knowledge, all-time encouragement and his ever- ready-to help attitude towards my academic and developmental needs. The moments I shared with him – walking, riding together in his car and chatting over a cup of coffee have not only been quite rewarding and eventful but also memorable. Secondly, I should thank my darling wife, Khadijah Omotayo Adedeji-Ogunmuyiwa, who has not only been supportive but has also shown understanding in all respects. Holding forth for me, taking care of the home front including our lovely gems, Temilola, Olanrewaju, Opeyemi and Arinola, especially whenever I was off in the struggle, cannot be forgotten. I also thank all my family members, sisters and brothers, for their concern, prayers and understanding. There are friends who are more like brothers. I should thank Ismail Adefeso for ensuring my comfort in Cape Town despite his several commitments including his now-completed doctoral work. I specially thank Ayuba Adegoke Adesina and his family for being there whenever I need help; I thank my learned and respected teacher, Haroon Thani. I should also thank Luqman Atanda, Misjudeen Raji, Nurudeen Yusuf, Sirajudeen Adewusi, Hakeem Olatunde and Olabode Ojugbele for their prayers. I should specially mention Umar Bello, a respected brother and friend, whom we have shared remarkable moments talking research, exchanging ideas, materials and visits. I should also salute some of my colleagues and friends in the business of language teaching for their warm wishes and support. They include Abdullah Kademi, Muhammad Awwal Saidu, Mustapha Darma, Ibrahim Yabagi and Abubakar Bala. I thank my Nigerian brothers and friends in Jubail and Cape Town – their support, prayers and kind words have been excellent source of motivation. iv http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ I should also mention and appreciate the management of the Royal Commission in Jubail for instituting policies that encourage professional development and research at the English Language Institute in Jubail Industrial College, Jubail Technical Institute and Jubail University College). My appreciation also goes to members of staff of the Department of Linguistics, especially Professor Felix Banda. Many thanks to Villeen Beerwinkel for ever being prompt in responding to my numerous queries and for being a wonderful pillar of support in administrative matters. To my co-PhD students, Idowu Adetomokun and Richard Kamai, I appreciate the moments we shared together in the department. Finally, I thank the University of the Western Cape for the platform created for learning and research. v http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ Table of Contents Key Words ....................................................................................................................................... i Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... ii Declaration ..................................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ iv Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... vi List of Figures ................................................................................................................................. x List of Tables .................................................................................................................................. x CHAPTER 1: Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1 1.0. An Overview of Corruption ............................................................................................. 1 1.1. Statement of the Problem ..................................................................................................... 5 1.2. Aim and Objectives of the Research .................................................................................... 7 1.3. Research Questions .............................................................................................................. 7 1.4. Scope and Delimitations ...................................................................................................... 8 1.5. Overview of chapters ........................................................................................................... 8 CHAPTER 2: Literature Review .................................................................................................