Discourse of Politics and Politicking with Politeness in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's National Broadcast on Oil Subsidy Removal

Abstract

This study explored president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broadcast on subsidy removal to examine how politeness principles were deployed in politicking the politics of subsidy removal in the Nigerian reality of heated polity. Using Leech’s brand of Politeness Principle in analysing the qualitatively obtained data, the study projected subsidy removal as policy road map for national recovery and well-being of the populace. Tinubu, as a political leader, employs linguistic resources and discursive strategies to project his ideology, manage public perception, and foster constructive dialogue. By analyzing selected presidential broadcasts through politeness theory, this research aims to uncover the forms, structures, and functions of politeness strategies used by Tinubu. The findings highlight the role of politeness strategies in navigating political communication, emphasizing their importance in maintaining a balance between assertiveness and diplomacy. The study also reveals how these strategies contribute to self-profiling and ideological promotion within the complex socio-political landscape of Nigeria. The analysis provides insights into the pragmatic functions of politeness strategies and their implications for political discourse, offering a panoramic understanding of language use in leadership and governance. The concept of politeness in communication is, therefore, revealed particularly within the realm of political discourse. Politeness, defined as a polite social behavior within a specific culture, is crucial for fostering comfortable and enduring social relationships. In the context of political communication, the strategic use of politeness becomes a vital tool for leaders as they navigate varied sensitive issues, oil subsidy removal for instance.