Introduction
The United States government has demonstrated concerns that the 2019 general elections in Nigeria could be marred with violent scenes. It has also remained cognizant of the fact that the violence could be an indictment to democracy in Nigeria, the West Africa region, and the whole African continent. However, the US has warned of dire consequences should leaders and political parties fail to maintain peace during this time. The paper will conduct a background analysis of two texts reporting on this issue and further perform a rhetorical analysis to gauge how the authors report this looming crisis.
Background
Nigeria is scheduled to have its election in 2019. The US on its part has remained a champion for democratic principles across the world. From its assessment, the US has anticipated violence and the occurrence of antidemocratic tenets such as the attack on the electoral body and voter suppression among others. Although the US will support peace initiatives in the country, it will not tolerate violence at all costs,
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Thesis: In the wake of the looming violence in the 2019 general elections in Nigeria, the US has remained steadfast to outline the devastating impacts that this could have on democracy and the welfare of the African continent.
Rhetorical Analysis
Citation: U.S Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, (2018). Nigeria Punch newspaper 2019 elections: the U.S says violence looms in Nigeria.
Subject: The author assesses the looming violence in the upcoming elections in Nigeria and the fears expressed by the US.
Exigence: The US has asked Nigerian officials from both sides of the political divide to sign pledges stating that their candidates would engage in peaceful campaigns. The major candidates have also signed a peace pack in a bid to ensure that no violence escalates.
Thesis: The US has remained mindful of the possibility of violence in the 2019 general elections and has thus taken steps in a bid to prevent the chaos.
Context: The author and the publisher of the text is the Assistant Secretary of State Bureau of African Affairs in the US. The date of publication is December 15, 2018. The context portrayed is a political one with post-election violence seen as an impending problem that the country will possibly face.
Audience: The first audience targeted includes the US administration. When the author says, “I can tell you from my impressions during my travels and my previous service in Nigeria that I fear there will be some violence around these elections, as has been the case with previous elections" he is targeting America as a country. The second quote that illustrates a direct address to the US authorities includes, “Through our YALI Network Nigeria campaign, Nigerians have made over 10,000 pledges to boost voter participation, reject violence, and vote with integrity.”
Tone: the tone of the author is cautionary. The diction is simple and centers on the political world. The connotation in question is that of peace and peaceful coexistence.
Figures of speech: The author uses elements of direct speech. The use of simile is seen when the author says, “Inspector-General of Police who has been behaving like an opposition member.”
Ethos, Pathos, Logos: The use of pathos is seen when the author estimates the devastating effects of the violence in the country and Africa as a whole. Ethos is seen when the author establishes themselves as a correspondent of African affairs. Logos is witnessed when the author asserts that focus will be on the historical hotspots of violence in the country.
Arrangement: The text is arranged in small paragraphs that contain direct and reported speech. It lacks a clear introduction and conclusion.
Citation: Olowolagba, F. (2018). 2019 Elections: the U.S warns against violence in Nigeria. Daily Post Newspaper
Subject: The author assesses how the US seeks to intervene in the looming violence by warning of leaders of the country.
Exigence: The US has engaged in strategies aimed at stopping the violence during and after elections in Nigeria. As a result, it has begun engaging with the local leaders both publicly and privately on ways they could use to mitigate the risks that could jeopardize credible elections.
Thesis: The US government is calling on the local leadership of Nigeria to remain mindful of the possible electoral violence and an attack on the democratic principles of the country.
Context: the author of the text is Fikayo Olowolagba and published under the Daily Post Newspapers on December 14, 2018. It also highlights a possibly intense political environment characterized by violence and disregard to the principles of democracy.
Audience: The author has two audiences with the first one being the US government. In this regards, he says, “I can tell you from my impressions during my travels and my previous service in Nigeria that I fear there will be some violence around these elections, as has been the case with previous elections.” The second one is addressed to the Nigerian authorities when he says, “I can assure you we will be watching closely for instigators of violence or those attempting to undermine the democratic process.”
Tone: Similarly, the tone here is cautionary with the diction used focusing on matters to do with election and governance. The connotation implied is that of peace and peaceful elections.
Figures of speech: The author personifies Nigeria when says, “Nigeria at crossroads.” The statement, “However, Nigeria’s political system and society have weathered such tensions before” uses symbolism to confirm that Nigeria has remained resilient in the wake of violent threats.
Ethos, Pathos, and Logos: The implications of violence are used to give an emotional appeal. The author uses logical appeal by using evidence from various sources including the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The author establishes his authority by referring to a speech that he had given in Nigeria.
Arrangement: The text is arranged in small paragraphs containing both reported and direct speech. It lacks a clear introduction and a conclusion.
Conclusion
The two authors have used several critical and analytical strategies to pass their messages to the audience. Since the issue under focus is controversial and emotive in equal measures, the uses of figurative and rhetorical elements have bolstered the argument. Future research should focus on more ethnographic studies in the affected countries to come up with empirical data rather than simply relying on speculation.
