ANALYSIS OF THE UTTERANCES OF NIGERIA POLITICAL ELITES DURING THE ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST

ANALYSIS OF THE UTTERANCES OF NIGERIA POLITICAL ELITES DURING THE ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST

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Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

The Endbadgovernance protest in Nigeria, which began in July 2024, represented a significant public outcry against economic mismanagement and governance failures. This protest saw widespread participation across various regions and was characterized by a high level of media coverage and public debate. Political elites in Nigeria—comprising government officials, opposition leaders, and other influential figures—played a critical role in shaping the discourse surrounding the protest through their public statements and responses. Political elites' utterances during major protests can significantly influence public opinion and the overall narrative of the protest. Their statements can either contribute to de-escalating tensions, addressing grievances, or exacerbating conflicts. Analyzing these utterances provides insights into how political figures perceive and respond to public dissent, and how their communication strategies impact the protest's trajectory and public sentiment.

The Endbadgovernance protest was driven by widespread dissatisfaction with rising living costs, economic hardships, and perceived failures of the government to address these issues. As such, political elites' responses ranged from dismissive and defensive to conciliatory and reform-oriented. Understanding the nature and implications of these responses is crucial for assessing their impact on the protest and on the broader political landscape. This study focuses on analyzing the utterances of Nigerian political elites during the Endbadgovernance protest. It aims to examine the content, tone, and implications of their statements, and how these contributed to the protest dynamics and public discourse.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The Endbadgovernance protest elicited a range of responses from Nigerian political elites, but there is a need for a systematic analysis of these utterances to understand their impact on the protest and public opinion. The problem addressed by this study is the lack of comprehensive analysis regarding the nature and effects of political elites' statements during the protest.

The study seeks to fill this gap by evaluating the content and tone of political elites' utterances, understanding their impact on the protest's progression, and assessing how these statements influenced public perception and political discourse.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To analyze the content and tone of statements made by Nigerian political elites during the Endbadgovernance protest.
2. To assess how these utterances influenced public opinion and the overall narrative of the protest.
3. To evaluate the impact of political elites' responses on the protest dynamics and the government's approach to addressing the grievances.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What were the key themes and messages in the utterances of Nigerian political elites during the Endbadgovernance protest?
2. How did the tone and content of these statements affect public opinion and the protest's narrative?
3. What impact did the political elites' responses have on the protest dynamics and the government's subsequent actions?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it provides insights into the role of political elites in shaping public discourse and influencing the dynamics of political protests. By analyzing their utterances, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how political communication affects public perception, protest behavior, and policy responses.

The findings are relevant for political analysts, policymakers, and scholars interested in the intersection of political discourse and public protest. They offer valuable lessons on the impact of political rhetoric on protest movements and the importance of strategic communication in addressing public grievances.

1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The scope of this study is focused on analyzing the utterances of Nigerian political elites during the Endbadgovernance protest. It includes an examination of statements made by government officials, opposition leaders, and other influential figures, as reported in media and public records.

The study is delimited by its focus on political statements and does not include an in-depth analysis of the protestors' responses or the broader social and economic impacts of the protest. It relies on secondary data, including media reports and public statements, and does not involve primary data collection or interviews with political elites.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

Utterances: Statements or remarks made by political elites, including speeches, interviews, public comments, and official statements.

Political Elites: Influential individuals in the political sphere, including government officials, opposition leaders, and other key figures with significant political influence.

Endbadgovernance Protest: A mass protest movement in Nigeria that began in July 2024, driven by public dissatisfaction with economic conditions and perceived failures of the government.

Public Opinion: The collective attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of the general public regarding political issues, shaped by various forms of communication and media.

Protest Dynamics: The evolving nature of the protest, including changes in participation, public reactions, and the responses of authorities and political figures.

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