Cite this article as: Shu’aibu, A., Abubakar, A. U., & Waziri, S. (2025). Language and power: A study of rhetorical devices used in the inaugural speech of President Muhammadu Buhari. Sokoto Journal of Linguistics and Communication Studies (SOJOLICS), 1(1), 88–96. www.doi.org/10.36349/sojolics.2025.v01i01.012
LANGUAGE AND
POWER: A STUDY OF RHETORICAL DEVICES USED IN THE INAUGURAL SPEECH OF PRESIDENT
MUHAMMADU BUHARI
By
Abdulrahman
Shu’aibu
Department of Liberal Studies, Federal Polytechnic
Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State
&
Abubakar Usman
Abubakar
abubakar.usmanabubakar@umyu.edu.ng
Department of
English and French, Faculty of Humanities, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University,
Katsina
&
Sadiq Aliyu Waziri
Department of English and Linguistics, Federal
University Dutse, Jigawa State
Abstract
This study
critically analyses the 2015 inaugural speech of President Muhammadu Buhari
using Halliday’s (1994) Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) framework,
particularly the three meta-functions ideational, interpersonal, and textual
alongside rhetorical devices. The research aims to explore how language
constructs political power, shapes national identity, and influences public
perception within the Nigerian socio-political context. Drawing from selected
extracts of the speech, the ideational (experiential) meta-function reveals how
Buhari presents social realities, using action-oriented verbs and nominal
groups to frame national challenges and aspirations. The interpersonal
meta-function highlights the use of inclusive pronouns, modal verbs, and evaluative
language to build rapport, assert authority, and convey commitment. The textual
meta-function examines the coherence and flow of information through thematic
structures and cohesive devices that enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of
the message. Furthermore, the study identifies key rhetorical devices such as
metaphor, allusion, alliteration, paradox, and repetition that enhance
emotional appeal and ideological framing. These devices are shown to strengthen
the persuasive power of the speech and reinforce its central themes of change,
unity, and anti-corruption. The combination of meta-functional analysis and
rhetorical strategy reveals how Buhari skillfully manipulates linguistic
elements to construct a credible leadership image, legitimize power, and
mobilize national support.
Keywords: Meta-Functions, Rhetorical, Frameworks, Devices,
Pronouns, Political
1. Introduction
Language is not
merely a tool for communication it is a vehicle of power, a mirror of society,
and a force that shapes realities. In political discourse, particularly in
inaugural speeches, language becomes a strategic resource used to persuade,
unify, and legitimize authority. The inaugural speech of President Muhammadu
Buhari offers a fertile ground for analyzing how power is enacted, negotiated,
and maintained through rhetorical choices. This paper investigates the
rhetorical devices embedded in his speech and examines how these devices
function within the framework of Halliday’s three meta-functions: ideational
(experiential), interpersonal, and textual.Van Dijk (1995) argues that political discourse operates as a tool for
controlling thought, driven by dominant ideologies. Political language is thus
used by governments or political leaders to influence and rally the public
toward specific beliefs or actions. According to Biria and Muhammadi (2012),
the inaugural speech represents a unique form of political communication in
which newly elected leaders present their goals, policies, and visions to the
people. The primary purpose of such a speech is to influence public perception
and secure support for the new leadership. They further explain that inaugural
addresses aim to foster unity by emphasizing common values and establishing a
foundation for governance.
These speeches are typically delivered to a diverse
audience that includes supporters, critics, sceptics, and neutral parties, all
of whom the speaker must influence or reassure to foster a collaborative
atmosphere (Grice, 1975). In Nigeria, inaugural speeches mirror the country’s
complex socio-political landscape, which is influenced by persistent issues
like corruption, electoral malpractice, nepotism, and security concerns. The
speech under the study was chosen to explore how political power is constructed
through language within the Nigerian context and to identify the persuasive
strategies President Buhari used to establish credibility and authority.
Additionally, the study seeks to enrich the growing body of political discourse
analysis in African settings. It aims to address key research gaps, including
the limited attention given to Nigerian political rhetoric while much research
has focused on Western political speeches, fewer studies have critically
examined the rhetorical techniques in Nigerian presidential inaugurals,
especially Buhari’s, from a linguistic and power-oriented perspective.
Moreover, there has been insufficient examination of how Nigerian leaders
utilise language to assert authority, legitimise power, and influence public
perception.
Research Questions
1.
What themes, processes, and
participants are represented through rhetorical devices in President Buhari’s
inaugural speech
2.
How does President Buhari use
rhetorical devices to establish authority, build rapport, and negotiate power
relations with his audience
2. Literature
Review
Rhetorical devices are language techniques employed by
speakers and writers to persuade, influence, or emotionally connect with their
audience. In political discourse, these strategies are especially crucial, as
they help leaders shape narratives, establish trust, and resonate with the
audience's beliefs and sentiments. Harris (2013) describes rhetorical devices
as tools that enhance writing or speech, adding beauty, emphasis, and impact
when skillfully applied. Similarly, Robson (2013) emphasizes that rhetorical
devices often rely on figurative language to convey concepts that cannot be
expressed literally, thereby enhancing the appeal and effectiveness of public
speaking. They also grant speakers greater freedom in expressing their
thoughts. Zheng (2014) further explains that rhetoric involves the art of
shaping opinions, decisions, and actions through symbolic communication.
Several studies
have examined the use of rhetorical devices in political speeches. For
instance, Joe (2024) provided a pragmatic analysis of Peter Obi’s 2016 speech
at The Platform Nigeria, focusing on how he projected power to advocate for
change in the country. The study highlighted five main rhetorical strategies:
anecdotes, hypophora, anaphora, repetition, and allusions. These devices
enabled Obi to engage his audience, emphasize key points, and promote a sense
of unity among the people. The findings underscore how language can be used to
advance political goals and shape public perception, offering valuable context
for the current research.
Eze and Chukwu
(2021) conducted a comparative analysis of rhetorical devices in the political
speeches of Nelson Mandela and Nnamdi Kanu using Critical Discourse Analysis
(CDA). They examined six speeches from each figure and observed that both
leaders employed rhetorical tools such as metaphors, repetition, and allusion
to engage their audiences. However, Mandela’s style was characterized by
subtlety and indirectness, while Kanu’s delivery was more straightforward and
assertive. The research underscores how politicians strategically use
rhetorical techniques to resonate with listeners and advance their ideologies.
It also emphasizes the role of audience and situational context in interpreting
rhetorical choices in political communication.
Okoro (2016)
carried out a study titled “Pragmatic Analysis of Selected Political Speeches
of President Muhammadu Buhari.” The research focused on identifying the
locutionary, illocutionary, and elocutionary acts present in Buhari’s political
addresses, employing Speech Act Theory as its theoretical framework. The
analysis was based on five speeches delivered by Buhari during the 2015
presidential campaign. The results showed that the speeches were largely persuasive,
featuring dominant use of assertive and commissive illocutionary and
perlocutionary acts.
3. Methodology
The theoretical framework adopted for this study is Halliday’s (1994)
three Meta functions. The ideational (experiential), interpersonal, and
textual. It offers a robust framework for uncovering the rhetorical devices and
communicative strategies embedded in presidential speeches. Each Meta functions
serves as a lens to analyse how language is used to construct meaning, project
power, and engage the audience. Also, each Meta-function serves the following
roles in the speech analysis.
1. Ideational
(Experiential) Function: focuses on how language represents reality people,
processes, events, and circumstances. In presidential speeches, it helps
identify how leaders construct national issues, present policies, and portray
social actors (e.g., citizens, opponents, or foreign powers). Rhetorical
devices such as metaphors, analogies, and narratives are often used to shape
public perception of these realities. Analysing these choices reveals the
leader's worldview, political agenda, and how they frame problems and
solutions.
2. Interpersonal
Function: This function examines how language is used to enact social roles and
relationships. It is crucial in identifying how power relations are negotiated
and how persuasion is achieved in speeches. Through rhetorical devices like modal
verbs, personal pronouns, repetition, and appeals to unity or emotion, a
speaker can build solidarity, command authority, or mitigate threats. This
function highlights the speaker audience relationship, revealing how trust and
legitimacy are established or maintained.
3. Textual
Function: The textual function: explores
how language is organised to create a coherent, purposeful message. It enables
analysis of how rhetorical devices are structured to enhance clarity, emphasis,
and persuasion. Tools such as parallelism, cohesion, anaphora, and thematic
structure help maintain focus and reinforce key messages. This function reveals
how the speech flows, how arguments are built, and how rhetorical emphasis is
achieved to guide the listener's interpretation.
By applying
Halliday’s metafunctions, researchers can systematically dissect how rhetorical
devices work not just stylistically, but functionally to influence, legitimise,
and mobilise. In presidential speech analysis, this provides deep insight into
how language operates as a tool of power and leadership, especially in
politically complex settings like Nigeria.
4. Data
Presentation and Analysis
The use of three
meta-functions
Experiential
Function: focuses on how language represents experiences,
processes, participants, and circumstances in the real world. President Buhari
used experiential function in his speech in the following sentences
1. Sentence:
"I would like to thank the millions of our
supporters who believed in us even when the cause seemed hopeless."
- Process Type:
- Mental
Process: "would like to thank” expresses a cognitive and affective act
(desire + gratitude).
- Relational
Process: "seemed hopeless” identifying or attributive process to describe
a situation.
- Participants:
- Actor/Senser:
"I" – the speaker (Buhari), as the experiencer of the mental state.
- Phenomenon:
"the millions of our supporters" – those being thanked.
- Carrier:
"the cause" – the topic or mission.
- Attribute:
"hopeless" – quality assigned to the "cause".
- Circumstance:
- "even
when the cause seemed hopeless” temporal clause indicating a specific time or
condition when the supporters acted.
2. Sentence:
"A few people have privately voiced fears that on
coming back to office, I shall go after them."
- Process Type:
Verbal Process: "have voiced" – reporting or
expressing speech.
- Mental
Process (embedded): "fears" – indicates emotion or concern.
- Material
Process (projected): "I shall go after them" – action/intention
described.
- Participants:
- Sayer:
"A few people"
- Verbiage:
"fears"
- Actor (in
embedded clause): "I"
- Goal:
"them"
- Circumstance:
-
"privately" – manner (how the speech act was performed).
- "on
coming back to office" – temporal circumstance framing the embedded
material process.
The above sentences analysed displays a rich
experiential meanings. The first sentence expresses mental appreciation and
relational evaluation, highlighting gratitude and past political struggle. The
second involves a verbal process reporting others' concerns, with an embedded
material process (intended action), revealing public perception and political
tension. Together, they represent different experiential perspectives:
leadership humility vs. political apprehension.
Interpersonal function: reflects how
language is used to establish relationships, express attitudes, assign roles
(modality, mood, subject, etc.), and interact with others. This function was
also used in the speech under analysis in the following sentences
I. “We can fix our
problems.”
- Mood Type:
Declarative (indicative mood, stating a claim).
- Subject: We –
inclusive of the speaker and the people (building solidarity).
- Finite +
Modality: can – modal auxiliary indicating ability and optimism.
- Residue: fix our
problems – expresses confidence in solving national issues.
- Interpersonal
Meaning: Shows high commitment, optimism, and collective responsibility.
II. “This
government will do all it can to rescue them alive.”
- Mood Type:
Declarative.
- Subject: This
government – establishes actor and responsibility.
- Finite +
Modality: will do + can – expresses certainty and determination.
- Adjunct of
purpose: to rescue them alive – expresses intent and empathy.
- Interpersonal
Meaning: Strong assertion of commitment and moral obligation by the leadership
III. “For now, the
Armed Forces will be fully charged with prosecuting the fight against Boko
Haram.”
- Mood Type:
Declarative.
- Subject: The
Armed Forces – assigns agency and action.
- Modality: will
be fully charged – high modality indicating strong directive.
- Circumstantial
Adjunct: For now – sets a temporal limit, showing pragmatic caution.
- Interpersonal
Meaning: Balances authority with temporary flexibility, showing control but
open to adjustment.
V. “We shall
overhaul the rules of engagement to avoid human rights violations in
operations.”
- Mood Type:
Declarative.
- Subject: We –
inclusive pronoun, again implying unity.
- Finite:
Modality: shall – expresses intention and determination (slightly formal).
- Residue:
overhaul the rules... – action-oriented and reform-driven.
- Purpose Adjunct:
to avoid human rights violations – adds ethical stance and responsibility.
- Interpersonal
Meaning: Shows firm leadership, ethical commitment, and inclusive governance.
Finally, the
analysis of the above sentences indicates that President Buhari’s speech
employs inclusive pronouns, high modality, and positive declarative mood to
build rapport with citizens, show commitment and capability, assert control
over security, and express ethical responsibility. Also, these interpersonal
choices creates a tone of assurance, determination, ethical governance,
credibility, project confidence, and encourage trust and cooperation from the
audience.
Textual Meta-function: focuses on how
information is organized in the clause, how themes are introduced, and how
cohesion and coherence are maintained in discourse. Textual function was used
by the speaker in the sentences below
I. “I thank all of
you.”
- Theme: I
- Topical Theme: The personal pronoun “I”
functions as the subject and indicates the point of departure.
- It establishes the speaker as the actor and
maintains a personal tone.
- Rheme: thank all
of you
- Provides the new information and contains
the message content (act of gratitude).
- Textual
Meaning:
- The message is clear, concise, and
coherent.
- It reflects interpersonal engagement,
directly addressing the audience and maintaining cohesion with the previous
parts of the speech.
II. “As far as the
constitution allows me, I will try to ensure that there is responsible and
accountable governance at all levels of government in the country.”
- Theme: As far as
the constitution allows me
- Marked Topical Theme: This prepositional
phrase sets a limitation or condition, showing the legal boundary of the
speaker’s power.
By placing it at
the beginning, it foregrounds constitutional adherence.
- Rheme: I will
try to ensure that there is responsible and accountable governance at all
levels of government in the country.
- The main message and intent follow the
theme, expressing a commitment to good governance.
- Textual
Meaning:
- The clause is well-structured, showing
logical flow from condition to commitment.
- Cohesion is achieved through modality
(“will try”), connecting intention with constitutional limits.
- The sentence bridges legal framework with
political action, contributing to the overall coherence of the speech.
The above analysis
shows that themes are carefully chosen to establish personal involvement and
the rhemes delivered the core message in each clause. Also, these sentences
contribute to the cohesive structure of the speech by maintaining consistency
in tone, emphasis on governance, and alignment with the rule of law. The
textual meta-function here reveals Buhari’s deliberate organization of
information to balance personal agency, constitutional duty, and public
accountability.
Furthermore,
besides the three aforementioned meta-functions used in the speech under
analysis, President Buhari used a different rhetorical devices such as collocation,
alliteration, paradox, metaphor, lexical repetition, and allusion.
The Use of
Collocation
Collocation refers to words that naturally go together
or tend to co-occur in a language. For example: "take
responsibility", "fight corruption", or "national
development". In political speeches,
collocations enhance fluency, familiarity, and persuasive strength. They help
reinforce expected meanings and appeal to shared values. The following
collocations used by President Buhari in his inaugural speech will be analysed
1. "Fight corruption"
- A widely
repeated collocation in Nigerian political discourse.
- Reinforces
the anti-corruption stance, invoking urgency and action.
2. "National unity" / "national
interest"
- These
collocations appeal to patriotism and togetherness.
- Used to
bridge political, ethnic, and religious divides.
3. "Democratic governance"
- Implies
legitimacy and order.
- Associates
the administration with constitutional rule.
4. "Security challenges" / "security
agencies"
- Reflects
issues of terrorism and instability.
- Positions
the government as active and responsive.
5. "Rule of law"
Signals a commitment to justice and democratic norms.
- Collocates
well with “democracy”, “governance”, and “justice”.
6. "Public service" / "civil
service"
- Appeals to
administrative reform and accountability.
7. "Peace and stability"
- Often
paired to emphasize socio-political harmony.
8. "Mutual respect" / "international
community"
- Used in the
context of foreign policy and diplomacy.
Rhetorical & Socio-pragmatics Functions of
Collocation
- Ideological Framing: Collocations like “fight
corruption” and “rule of law” frame the government as reformist and
responsible.
- Emphasis & Familiarity: These word pairings are
easily recognizable to the audience, enhancing emotional and cognitive
resonance.
- Cohesion & Fluency: Repeated collocations give
the speech a structured, cohesive feel.
- Legitimization of Power: Collocations tied to
governance (“democratic principles”, “national interest”) are used to
legitimize leadership and future decisions.
The above analysis of collocation in President
Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 inaugural speech, shows how word pairings
are used for rhetorical, ideological, and cohesive purposes. In addition, the use of collocation in the speech under
analysis strengthens the speech’s persuasive power, grounds it in familiar
political discourse, and contributes to constructing a credible and unifying
political image. These strategic word pairings are not accidental they are
central to political communication in Nigeria’s multilingual and politically
sensitive context.
The use of Alliteration
Alliteration is a
rhetorical device that involves the repetition of the same initial consonant
sound in a series of words. It is often used to add rhythm, emphasis, and
memorability to speech. The speech under the analysis used different
alliterations such as,
- “Fellow
Nigerians”
- A conventional phrase but with repeated
"F" and "N" sounds that create a formal, respectful tone.
- “Build a brave
new Nigeria”
- Repetition of the "b" sound gives
a sense of boldness and energy, reinforcing hope and national renewal.
- “We must not
succumb to hopelessness or helplessness”
- The repetition of "h" sounds
emphasizes emotional tone and urgency, creating rhythm and reinforcing the
contrast between weakness and strength.
- “Terror and
treachery”
- The “t” sound evokes harshness, fitting the
serious tone about insecurity and national threats.
Furthermore the
alliteration has the following functions and Effects such as,
- Emphasis:
Alliteration highlights key themes such as
unity, security, and reform by making phrases more impactful and memorable.
- Rhythm and
Flow:
It enhances the musicality and flow of the
speech, keeping the audience engaged and helping deliver ideas smoothly.
The above analysis
reveals thatthis rhetorical device not only draws attention to important ideas
but also reinforces Buhari’s message of determination, unity, and national
renewal. Ultimately, alliteration contributes to the speech’s rhetorical
strength and emotional impact.
The Use of Metaphor
A metaphor is a
rhetorical device where a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to
which it is not literally applicable, in order to suggest a resemblance or
symbolic meaning. It adds depth and vivid imagery to abstract ideas.
1. Notable
Metaphors in the Speech:
- "I belong
to everybody and I belong to nobody"
- This paradoxical metaphor symbolizes
impartiality. Buhari presents himself as a national figure who cannot be
controlled or owned by any individual or group, emphasizing neutrality and
fairness.
- "We have an
opportunity, a rare one, to make history"
- “Make history” is metaphorical, implying
not literally writing history books, but bringing about significant national
transformation.
- "We must
now marshal our forces and resources to tackle the challenges
head-on"
- “Marshal our forces” borrows from military
language, metaphorically representing collective effort and strategic
mobilization.
- “Terror must and
will be defeated”
- Terror is personified and treated as a
physical enemy to be conquered, turning an abstract threat into a tangible
opponent.
- "The cold
hands of misrule"
- Misrule is metaphorically given “cold
hands,” suggesting emotional detachment, danger, or harm inflicted by past
governance.
Moreover, metaphor
serves the following Functions and Effects in the speech under study and other
political speeches
- Simplification
of Complex Ideas:
Metaphors help translate complex political or
social challenges into relatable imagery, making them easier for the general
public to understand.
- Emotional
Appeal:
They evoke strong emotional responses,
especially metaphors of war, justice, and renewal, which resonate with
citizens’ experiences.
- Persuasive
Power:
By framing issues like corruption or
insecurity as battles or historical moments, Buhari positions his leadership as
a decisive force for change.
- Unifying
Symbolism:
Metaphors of unity, rebirth, and national
duty help rally citizens around a common purpose.
The above analysis
indicates that President Buhari’s 2015 inaugural speech employs metaphors to
simplify political goals, inspire hope, and cast his leadership in heroic or
transformative terms. This strategic use enhances the persuasive force of the
speech, reinforces authority, and connects emotionally with a diverse Nigerian
audience.
The Use of Paradox
Paradox is a
rhetorical device involving a statement that appears self-contradictory or
logically inconsistent but contains an underlying truth. In political speeches,
paradoxes are often used to provoke thought, highlight complexity, or reinforce
ideological positions. The paradox below was used by president Buhari in his
inaugural speech
“I belong to
everybody and I belong to nobody.”
-
Explanation:
This is the most striking paradox in Buhari’s
2015 inaugural address. At face value, the statement contradicts itself how one
can belong to “everybody” and at the same time “nobody”?
-
Interpretation:
The paradox emphasizes Buhari’s intention to
serve all Nigerians equally without allegiance to any individual, political
group, or special interest. It communicates neutrality, independence, and
commitment to national unity.
- Effect:
It leaves a lasting impression and serves as
a political reassurance to both supporters and critics that his administration
would be fair and just.
The analysis shows
that the use of paradox serves to highlight the complex realities and
contradictions within Nigeria’s political and social landscape. The above
paradoxical statements not only provoke reflection but also reinforce the
seriousness of his commitment to change. By embracing contradiction, Buhari
effectively communicates the difficult balance between hope and realism, power
and service thereby deepening the rhetorical and emotional impact of his
message.
The Use of Lexical Repetition
Lexical repetition
refers to the deliberate re-use of the same word or phrase sometimes with minor
variation across a speech or text. In political discourse, repetition is often
used to underscore a message, emphasize key themes, reinforce memory, and persuade
listeners. The speech under analysis shows how repeated words/phrases function
rhetorically, using insights from repetition theory and linking to linguistic
function such as,
- “We,” “our,”
“us,” “our people” “our supporters” the
use of first‑person plural pronouns appears frequently,
reflecting inclusivity and collective identity.
- Calls for unity,
change, and renewal notions like “change,” “hope,” “renewal,” “together,”
“future,” “nation,” “Nigeria,” “democracy,” “freedom,” “security,”
“prosperity,” etc., recur, underlining key themes and goals.
- Appeals to
national values and collective history repeated references to democracy,
sacrifice, founding fathers, national identity, and shared struggle.
- Emphasis &
Salience
By repeating words
like “we,” “our,” “change,” “Nigeria,” Buhari emphasizes national identity and
shared purpose. Repetition makes these concepts more salient and memorable to
the audience. This aligns with classical rhetorical function of repetition as highlighting
key ideas.
- Inclusive
Identity & Solidarity
Frequent use of
first‑person plural pronouns (“we,” “our”) helps
construct an “us vs. them” discourse framing the speaker (and by extension the
new administration) and the audience as part of a unified national collective.
This performs a socio-pragmatics function: building solidarity, reducing
distance, and strengthening group identity.
- Ideological
Reinforcement / Persuasion
By repeatedly
invoking themes like “change,” “democracy,” “freedom,” “security,” “future,”
etc., the speech frames the new administration’s agenda as normative,
necessary, and shared by all Nigerians. Lexical repetition thus becomes an
ideological tool to persuade listeners to buy into the political vision. This
is consistent with studies showing lexical repetition supports ideological
persuasion in political speeches.
- Rhythm,
Cohesion, and Memorability
The repetition
also helps the speech flow more smoothly giving it rhetorical rhythm and makes
it easier for listeners to follow, internalize, and remember. As rhetoric
research shows, repetition improves retention and rhetorical impact.
The above analysis
demonstrate that the use of Lexical repetition in President Buhari’s inaugural
speech, ensures coherence throughout the speech. Recurring terms tie together
different parts of the speech, reinforce central themes, and make the message more
unified and memorable. It also aids in thematic progression and emphasis.
Although lexical repetition is stylistic, it aligns strongly with the three
meta-functions in language: Ideational, Interpersonal and Textual.
The Use of Pronouns
Pronouns function
as rhetorical devices to establish relationships, express commitment, and
strategically position himself and others within the political narrative. In
rhetorical and linguistic terms, pronouns help reinforce interpersonal meaning
a key part of Halliday’s interpersonal meta-function. This analysis of the use
of pronouns in President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 inaugural speech, focusing on
how pronouns function rhetorically and pragmatically to construct power,
solidarity, and political positioning.
1. First-Person
Singular Pronoun – "I"
- Example: “I
belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.”
- Function:
- Personal responsibility: Establishes Buhari
as accountable and present.
- Authority and leadership: Asserts his role
in setting the agenda.
- Rhetorical strategy: Shows resolve and
independence, especially in distancing from political godfathers.
2. First-Person
Plural Pronoun – "We" / "Our"
- Examples:
- “We have an opportunity to make history.”
- “Our country has suffered enough.”
- Function:
- Inclusive voice: Builds unity between the
government and the people.
- Shared responsibility: Distributes the
burden of nation-building.
- Solidarity-building: Promotes collective
vision and hope.
3. Second-Person
Pronoun – "You"
- Rarely used, but
when it appears:
- Direct address to citizens.
- Emphasizes dialogue and connection.
4. Third-Person
Pronouns – "They" / "Them" / "Their"
- Example:
“They shall be
respected and protected.” (Referring to opposition or past administrations)
- Function:
- Distancing: Creates a contrast between the
new administration and the past.
- Neutrality or critique: Can be used subtly
to refer to previous regimes or opponents.
Socio-pragmatics&
Rhetorical Implications
- Power and
Authority: "I" projects strong personal leadership.
- Unity and
Inclusion: "We/our" reduces hierarchy, promotes national
togetherness.
- Ideological
Positioning: Pronoun shifts mark boundaries between ‘us’ (reformers) and ‘them’
(the past/failures).
- Engagement:
Though less frequent, "you" and indirect references maintain
connection with the audience.
The above analysis
indicates that the Pronouns are strategically deployed to manage power
relations, construct solidarity, and delineate political identity. The frequent
use of "we" fosters inclusiveness, while "I" asserts
leadership, and "they" subtly critiques predecessors demonstrating
how pronouns serve key rhetorical functions in political discourse.
The Use of Allusion
Allusion is an
indirect reference to a person, event, idea, or text that is culturally,
historically, or politically significant. Allusions enrich political speeches
by connecting the speaker's message to shared knowledge or national memory,
thereby enhancing credibility and emotional appeal. The following allusions
were used in Buhari’s 2015 inaugural Speech:
1. Historical
Allusion to Nigerian Democracy:
> “Nigerians
have shown their commitment to democracy.”
- Explanation: This alludes to the long and
challenging history of Nigeria’s democratic journey, including past military
rule and the struggle for civilian governance.
- Effect: It connects his presidency to the
broader democratic progress of the nation and shows respect for collective
national effort.
2. Reference to
National Heroes and Patriotism:
> “We must not
succumb to hopelessness and defeatism... we can fix our problems.”
- Explanation: This evokes the spirit of
national resilience, subtly referencing past leaders and patriots who stood for
unity and progress.
- Effect: It positions the speaker within a
tradition of national service and renews hope in collective action.
The analysis shows
that Buhari's use of allusion in his 2015 inaugural speech serves to root his
message in Nigeria’s sociopolitical history and align his leadership with both
national and global expectations. By drawing on shared cultural and political references,
he strengthens the speech’s emotional and ideological appeal.
5. Conclusion
The analysis of President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015
inaugural speech through the lens of Halliday’s three meta-functions ideational
(experiential), interpersonal, and textual alongside rhetorical devices,
reveals how language was strategically employed to project power, foster unity,
and establish authority. From the experiential meta-function, the speech
reflects Buhari’s worldview, shaped by themes such as nationalism, change, and
anti-corruption. He narrates Nigeria’s socio-political realities using action-oriented
verbs, nominal groups, and reference to collective struggles and national
goals. This function uncovers the president’s intention to connect with the
lived experiences of the Nigerian people. Through the interpersonal
meta-function, Buhari builds relationships with his audience using inclusive
pronouns like “we,” “our,” and “us,” showing solidarity and shared purpose. His
use of modality (e.g., “must,” “shall”) conveys determination and authority, while
polite but assertive tones foster respect and commitment. This function
highlights how he negotiates roles, attitudes, and power dynamics between
himself and the citizens.
References
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