A DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF THE COHESIVE DEVICES USED IN SELECTED SPEECHES OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU
Abstract
Abstract
This study conducts a discourse analysis of the cohesive devices employed in selected speeches of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the aim of identifying how linguistic elements contribute to textual unity, clarity, and persuasive force in his public communication. Drawing on Halliday and Hasan’s framework of cohesion, the research examines grammatical and lexical cohesive devices—including reference, substitution, ellipsis, conjunction, and lexical relations—across a purposively selected corpus of presidential addresses delivered between 2023 and 2024. Using a qualitative descriptive approach supported by quantitative frequency counts, the analysis reveals that President Tinubu frequently relies on reference and conjunctive ties to maintain continuity of ideas and guide audience interpretation. Lexical cohesion, particularly reiteration and collocation, is also observed as a key strategy for reinforcing policy themes and national ideals. The findings suggest that the cohesive patterns in Tinubu’s speeches play a significant role in shaping rhetorical coherence and enhancing audience engagement. The study contributes to political discourse analysis in Nigerian leadership communication and recommends further comparative studies across administrations to deepen understanding of evolving rhetorical styles.
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