CONNOTATION AS A RHETORICAL DEVICE IN OBASANJO’S OPEN LETTER TO JONATHAN

Abstract

Political leaders in every society, with their power of oratory and influences, play dominant roles in shaping the political landscape of their countries or communities. This study analysed how former President Olusegun Obasanjo persuaded Nigerians to perceive former President Goodluck Jonathan in a bad light thereby paving the way for Jonathan’s exit from the seat of Nigeria’s presidency in 2015. The study specifically analysed the use of connotative expressions and words as a rhetorical strategy employed by Obasanjo to achieve his goals. Data were collected from the open letter – Before It Is Too Late – written by Obasanjo to Jonathan before the heat of the 2015 campaigns/general elections. Thirteen words/expressions used connotatively in the letter were randomly selected and analysed. The findings revealed that connotative expressions can effectively be utilised as a weapon for achieving persuasion in (especially political) speeches. Obasanjo was therefore, projected as one of the notable Nigerian politicians who have successfully employed this tool in his political speeches.