THE IRONY OF COVID-19 OUTBREAK IN NIGERIA: A SPEECH ACT ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study examines the irony of covid-19 in Nigeria. The major
objective of the study is to explore the expression of feelings and
perceptions of some notable Nigerians about the outbreak or existence
of covid-19 and its cure in Nigeria in relation to the psychological and
emotional beings of the citizenry. Data analysis is anchored on Searle’s
(1975) Speech Act and Grice’s (1975) Co-operative Principle (CP)
respectively. The following are individuals whose speech acts were
selected at random, presented and analysed simultaneously. They are:
President Olusegun Obasanjo, Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Apostle
Johnson Suleman, DG NCDC (Chikwe Ihekweazu), Minister of Health
(Osagie Ehanire), Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Gov.
Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde of Oyo State, Ooni of Ife (Adeyeye Enitan
Ogunwusi II) and Prof. Maurice Iwu. The findings among others show
that there are three basic schools of thought on covid-19 in Nigeria;
those who believe the disease exists in Nigeria, those who do not believe
its existence in Nigeria and those who claim to have found cure for it.
It is also discovered that most of the speech acts, especially those of
persons in positions of authority are assertive, effective, verdictive and
commissive; and some of their speech acts violate Grice’s CP, especially
the maxim of quality.