A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF MEDIA REPRESENTATION OF CORRUPTION ALLEGATION AGAINST GODWIN EMEFIELE: A STUDY OF THE PUNCH

ABSTRACT This study conducts a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of the media representation of corruption allegations against Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Against the backdrop of Nigeria's persistent struggle with systemic corruption, the research investigates how media framing influences public perception, accountability, and trust in financial governance. Focusing specifically on Punch Online's coverage between January and December 2023, the study employs a qualitative research design, purposively selecting ten news articles for in-depth analysis. Guided by Framing Theory and CDA principles, the analysis examines linguistic choices, narrative structures, and ideological underpinnings. The findings reveal that Punch Online predominantly frames the allegations as symptomatic of deep-seated institutional decay within Nigeria's financial system, using morally charged language and dramatic visuals to evoke public outrage. While this systemic framing effectively highlights governance failures, it often creates a one-sided narrative by marginalizing Emefiele's defense and neglecting diverse perspectives from civil society and anti-corruption advocates. Key gaps identified include a lack of historical contextualization, limited inclusion of public opinion, and a tendency toward sensationalism, which collectively risk skewing public understanding and deepening cynicism toward institutions. The study concludes that while Punch serves a vital watchdog function by exposing high-level corruption, its framing strategies and identified gaps can undermine the potential for nuanced public discourse and constructive policy engagement. The research underscores the powerful role media plays in shaping the anti-corruption narrative and its subsequent impact on political trust. It recommends that media outlets adopt more balanced reporting by incorporating diverse voices, providing historical context, and adhering to ethical standards to enhance their role in fostering accountability and transparency in Nigeria's governance landscape.