Dynamics of Political Communication: A Treatise in Honour of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

By Michael Angel Folorunso

Effective political communication involves diligent identification of problems on the one hand and proffering solutions on the other using popular images to affect decision making, sharing, and acting. This book is aimed at making readers politicians, students, policy makers, political activists, social actors, and researchers to understand the fact that political communication is not value-free. It shows the ways and means of generating media literacy as well as power literacy. Political communication is a multidisciplinary subject required to elevate and polish language, politically crafted to enable target audience give diverse interpretations to the message conveyed by the source. The book shows also the dissensual value-choosing relationships between politics, communication, rhetorical tropes, and social media.

The primary strength of Folorunsos book resides in its rhetorical emphasis particularly in regard to the uses of images, campaigns, drama, and social media in politics, as essential skills needed in a democratic community consciously driven by charismatic and/or transformational leadership (Rhetoric Society of Africa).

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jan 31, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481782067

Michael Angel Folorunso

He is the chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Oyo State, Nigeria. He is a journalist and rhetorician. He is the author of the following books published in United Kingdom: Adventure of Sex in Power; One Man’s Terrorist’s Another Man’s Freedom Fighter; Terrere’s Universe: A 2000-Year Adventure in Terrorism; Dynamics of Political Communication. His interests include football, oratory, poetry, and music. His marriage is blessed with children. He lives in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Book preview

DYNAMICS OF POLITICAL

communication

A TREATISE IN HONOUR OF

ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU

MICHAEL ANGEL FOLORUNSO

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© 2013 by Michael Angel Folorunso. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/29/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-8205-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-8210-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-8206-7 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Acknowledgements and Credits

Preface

Chapter One

MEANING AND SCOPE

•   Bases Of Political Communication

•   Communicology

•   Ideology And Communication

•   The Basic Question

•   The Problematics Of Message

•   What Is Communication?

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Two

COMMUNICATION AND POLITICAL SYSTEMS

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Three

SIGNIFICANCE OF DISCOURSE

•   What Is Discourse?

•   Political Language

•   The Means Of Communication

•   Dialectics

•   Eclecticism

•   Rhetorical Discourse

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Four

PUBLIC OPINION, ISSUES & INTEREST

•   Public

•   Opinion

•   Issues

•   Interest

•   Public Opinion

•   Formation Of Public Opinion

•   Disadvantages Of Opinion Polls

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Five

OF CONFLICT

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Six

POLITICAL IMAGERY

•   Psychology And Components Of Images

•   Utility Of Political Images

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Seven

PARTISAN RHETORIC

•   What Is Political Party?

•   Channels Of Political Party Communication

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Eight

STRATEGIC CAMPAIGN

•   What Is Campaign?

•   Political Campaign

•   Campaign, Security And The Media

•   On Campaign Train

•   Media And Political Campaigns

•   Effects Of Media On Campaigns

•   Eliminating Potential Candidates

•   New Campaign Devices Spot Advertisement

•   Hitchhiking

•   Telethon

•   Documentary Films

•   Television Debate

•   The Direct Appeal

•   The Mediated Campaigns

•   Media Coverage Of Campaign

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Nine

RHETORICAL TROPES

•   Metaphor Of Life Elements

•   Metaphor

•   Euphemisms

•   The Art Of Saying Nothing

•   Memorable Phrases

•   Earnestness

•   Grand Vision

•   Jargon

•   Nice Words

•   Function

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Ten

POLITICAL DRAMATURGY

•   Uses Of Drama In Politics

•   Presidential rhetoric

•   Calendrical Occasions

•   Caesarian Dramaturgy

•   Conspiracy

•   The Hundred Days

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Eleven

MEDIA LITERACY

•   What Is Media Literacy?

•   The Basic Ideas

•   The Purpose of Media Literacy is to Give us More Interpretations

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Twelve

EFFECTIVE PROPAGANDA

•   What Is Propaganda?

•   The System Of Propaganda

•   Principal Components

•   The Sources Of Propaganda

•   Message

•   Techno-Channels Of Propaganda

•   The Audience

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Thirteen

CHARISMATIC LEADERSHIP AND CHANGE

•   What Is Leadership?

•   Leadership And Management

•   Charismatic Leadership

•   Vision For Service

•   Rhetorical Skills

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Fourteen

SOFTLY, JUSTLY, LOW

•   What Is Soft?

•   What Is a Soft State?

•   Features Of A Soft State

•   What Is Corruption?

•   Categories

•   Consequences

•   Meaning Of Soft Power

•   Just Power

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Fifteen

SEMIOTICS OF PUBLIC POLICY

•   What Is Policy?

•   REFERENCES

Chapter Sixteen

POWER LITERACY AND SOCIAL MEDIA

•   What Is Power?

•   Two Faces Of Power

•   Sources Of Power

•   What Is Power Literacy?

•   Social Media

•   Classification

•   Industrial Media Versus Social Media

•   Managing Social Media

•   Internet Usage Effects

•   Impacts

•   Criticisms

•   Ownership

•   REFERENCES

About the Author

About the Book

To

Chief Bisi Akande, ACN National Chairman

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, ACN National Publicity Secretary

Hajia Hafsat Mohammed, ACN National Women Leader

Governor Babatunde Fasola, Lagos state

Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Edo state

Governor Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti state

Governor Rauf Aregbesola, State of Osun

Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo state

Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun state

Deputy Gov. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire

Deputy Gov. Pius Odubu

Deputy Gov. Funmilayo Olayinka

Deputy Gov. Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori

Deputy Gov. Moses Adeyemo

Deputy Gov. Segun Adesegun

Alhaji Lam Adesina

Chief Olusegun Osoba

Chief Adeniyi Adebayo

Senator Oluremi Tinubu

Senator Ganiyu Dawodu

Senator Chris Ngige

Senator Femi Lanlehin

Senator Sola Adeyeye

Senator Babafemi Ojudu

Senator Babajide Omoworare

Senator Gbenga Kaka

Senator Ayo Adeseun

Senator Gbenga Obadara

Senator Anthony Adeniyi

Senator George Akume

Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila

Hon. Abike Dabiri—Erewa

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

Chief Audu Ogbeh

Chief Fola Adeola

Dr. Oba Otudeko

Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji

Rt. Hon. Najeem Salam

Rt. Hon. Monsurat Sumonu

Rt. Hon. Suraju Adekunbi

Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe

Rt. Hon. Adewale Omirin

Prince Oladipo Eludoyin

PrinceTajudeen Oluseyi

Professor Damachi

Barrister Rotimi Akeredolu

Mr. Dele Belgore

Hon. Adetoun Adediran

All ACN Leaders, members and supporters

Acknowledgements and Credits

Rhetoric Society of Africa with a well thought out authorial decision produces this book in honour and recognition of the noble and progressive role of His Excellency, Asiwaju BOLA AHMED TINUBU, a two-term Governor of Lagos state (1999-2007) and National Leader, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with superb skills in leadership recruitment: in choosing the path of peace through constitutional instruments to challenge and vitiate the over-centralising trends of the Nigerian federalism. Asiwaju deserves credit of the high profile and superior brand personality on the front cover of this book to be placed in about 25,000 retail outlets across the globe, because of his statesmanlike handling of volatile national issues.

A mass man of means and marvellous mien

You chose the path of peace not of alien

To liberate your own people

From the vice-grip of the hawks and the feeble

You tactfully engage the anti-federalist

And emerge triumphalist

You teach the art of leadership discovery

And the spirit of constitutionalism with bravery

Now connect the central power literacy gap

And connect vision to service road map

For the benefit of the black race

Ride on, wax strong grab the grace

To write a book of this genre without useful contributions from great authors whose works form the building blocks, is to fly in the face of social realities. Credits are due to all of them, in particular Professor Dan F. Hahn, Professor Jide Owoeye, President Lead City University, Ibadan; Professor Omo Ojogu, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo state; Professor Lai Oso, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. Hon. Adetoun Adediran, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) South West Women Leader and Pioneer President Women for Equity and Fairness Organisation of Nigeria (WEFON), Lagos deserves credit for her facilitative role as regards access to our strategic brand personality. Ms Ada Gina-Ude, convener WEFON and president GADA, Lagos is credited.

Let me thank all the members of RHETORIC SOCIETY OF AFRICA including: Dr. Dokun Bojuwade, Former Director, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos; Pa Hussein, my political mentor, Professor Akin Fadahunsi (Departed), Political Scientist Adesina O. Ladele, Pius Omole, University of Ibadan, Barrister A.A. Adeyemo, Revd. J. Adejumobi, Mr. Kayode Akinpelu, Department of Mass Communication, The Polytechnic, Ibadan; Pastor Sam Itakpe, Manager (UNIFECS), Mrs Ikeade K. Olawoyin, accountant, Obafemi Awolowo University Consultancy Services Centre, OAU, Ile-Ife; Mr. Tunde Isamuko, Department of Mass Communication,Osun State Polytechnic, Iree; Radioman Edmund Obilo of the SPLASH FM 105.5 VOICES fame, Comrade Tunde Oluwanike, Comrade Ambaliyu Bolarinwa, Comrade Rotimi Akamo, Revd. Dr. Fredrick Abanonkhua, Dn. Samson Olalere, Chairman APGA, Oyo state; Alhaji Yinka Olona, Chairman CNPP Oyo state & South West, OSBC Senior Correspondent Oladayo Olanipekun, Bro. Gbenga Oluborode, Architect James Oyekanmi, Engineer Duke Benyin and Hon. Sunday Akere for their support regarding the production of this book. I also want to thank Dr. Remi Animasaun, Onyinyechi Ubah, Mrs.Juliet Angel Folorunso, Pioneeer Secretary General, Women for Equity and Fairness Organisation of Nigeria (WEFON), Chief Olayinka Olanipekun, Dns. Ololade E. Otuyelu, Dns Adenike Aborisade, Barrister David and Uche Afoenyi, Olamide Akande. Consultants Marcus Montegrande, Venus Taylor, Frances Garcia, Leo Montano, Joseph Bevins, Tim Mendoza, Hazel Larosa,Valerie Raines, Jimmy Alvarez, Joseph Alvarez, Lee Smith, Simone Rodrigruez, J. Hopkins, Therese Burnes, Jesse Albert, Lucy Rogers and management staff of Get Published! Limited, (AuthorHouse) United Kingdom deserve credits for publishing this book.

I thank my typesetters Mr. Adeleke Lepe & Mrs. Folake Lepe. To God be the glory.

Preface

The purpose of this book is to modestly contribute to the fleeting field of political communication. It further seeks to draw the minds of preferred readers to the values of political communication. The resourceful amalgam of politics and communication is further illuminated as being full of meanings and interpretations. And that political communication does not shy away from conflict and controversies. Political communication is a process of transferring meanings in contextually framed environments. It taps from all other types of communicative resources in any rhetorical community. It is established also that political communication contributes to the maintenance of social order. At the same time it is not orderly persistent, thus making it transgressional. The work has sixteen chapters in all.

Chapter One explains the meaning and scope of the subject matter. Chapter Two compares communication and political systems. While Chapter Three deals with the concept of discourse as sense-making structure of political communication system. Chapter Four deals with issues in public opinion and interest. Chapter Five briefly looks into the concept of conflict as a core ingredient of politics. Chapter Six analyses the essence of imagery in all material particular as it affects political rhetoric. Chapter Seven examines the flow of information through the political party system as a platform for gaining power. Strategic campaign which means a long-term awareness-generating phenomenon forms the structure of Chapter Eight. Chapter Nine investigates the use of language and figures of speech and the intention of politicians or actors when putting them to use. Chapter Ten examines the role of drama in politics. Chapter Eleven considers the multidimensional nature of media literacy as essential tool for media users. Chapter Twelve explains the relevance of effective propaganda in media of political communication despite its being pejoratively treated. Be it charismatic or transformational, leadership is central to political relations or interactions according to Chapter Thirteen in order to convey change message to dovetail with the followers’ values. Chapter Fourteen examines the characteristics of soft States using Nigeria as a case study. It also briefly examines the concepts of soft power, hard power and just power.

Chapter Fifteen investigates the relationships between political communication and public policy statements with examples. Finally, Chapter Sixteen examines the relationship between power literacy, social media and political communication systems.

MAF, 2013

Chapter One

MEANING AND SCOPE

Political communication is a sub-field of political science and communication that deals with the production, dissemination, processing, and affects information, both through media and interpersonally, within a political context. This includes the study of the media, the analysis of speeches by politicians and those that are trying to influence the political process, and formal and informal conversations among members of the public, among other aspects.

As with many terms in social science, political communication has also been difficult to define. For instance Robert E. Denton and Gary C. Woodward (1998) in their book, Political Communication in America, characterise political communication in the form of intentions of its senders to influence the political environment. In their words, the crucial factor that makes communication ‘political’ is not the source of a message, but its content and purpose. Brian Mc Nair (2003) provides a similar definition when he writes that political communication is purposeful communication about politics. For McNair, this means that this not only covers verbal or written statements, but also visual representations such as dress make-up, hairstyle or logo. It also includes all those aspects that develop a political identity or image.

There are many academic departments and schools around the world that specialise in political communication. These programmes are housed in programmes of communication, journalism and political science, among others. The study of political communication is clearly interdisciplinary. Political communication is a process of transferring meaning.

Political communication centres on constant articulation of the binary opposition discourse system about public affairs, public policies, order and freedom and their consequences canopied by the State.

Political communication seeks to identify problems in society, those suffering from them and advances solutions within the atmosphere of power play, and conflict.

Political rhetoric anchors on meaningful articulation of identified problems of ideology bugging the people with the aim of proffering solutions with or without the benefit of envisioning.

Political communication centres on the process of dispensing and balancing power, whether soft, hard or just. Political communication is a relational means of balancing terror. Political communication is the art of rhetoric. Political communication engenders counter-cultural communication. Political communication is ideologically violating.

Bases Of Political Communication

Politics is a process that takes place through communication

—from identifying a problem in society (perhaps through conversation with those suffering from it) through proposing a solution, debating the need for solution (i.e., why this is a more pressing problem than myriads of others), arguing the relative merits of this solution over others proposed, explaining the resulting law to the citizen and to those in the government whose job it is to enforce it, and so forth. At every step communication is involved (Hahn 1998).

From Hahn’s postulation further conclusion can be reached thus: politics is the process of solving public problems… and that the process takes through communication. Power lurks in the background, of course, and plays a role in the decision-making processes.

There is need to clarify the real essence of public as distinct from private. Many people today believe the two realms are absolutely separate—and should be. Further, some people seem to believe that private is superior to public; that it would be wonderful if there were no government for them everything would be private. In the Middle Ages (about the only period we know about in which there was hardly any State at all), according to Phillipe Aries, the individual depended for protection upon a community or patron. A person had nothing that he or she could call his or her own—not even his or her own body. Everything was in jeopardy, and only willingness to accept dependency ensured survival. Under such conditions public and private were not clearly distinguished. No one had a private life and anyone could play a public role, if only that of victim.

What allowed the development of privacy, then, and the emergence of the private realm as we know it today, was the development of a more fully functioning State. Aries comments: An important first step was the appearance of what Norbert Elias has called ‘court government’. The King’s court assumed responsibility for certain governmental functions that had previously been decentralised, such as maintaining law and order, courts of law, the army, and so on. Space and times thus became available for activities without public significance: private activities.’’ Seen from this perspective, according to Hahn, then everything private" depends on the government. On the one hand, it is private because the government has claimed responsibility for other areas, freeing us from concerning ourselves about them individually thus giving us time to pursue areas we perhaps otherwise would not have time for.

What should be noted is the fact that the legal system, national and international instruments lend credence to both concepts: public and private. They complement each other. It is historical to say, while trailing the social dynamics, that what could be private is not incapable of becoming public depending on the political philosophy obtained in each epoch.

Communicology

The theories of communication and the study of what constitutes communication may be referred to as communicology. Communicology is the systematic study of communication methodology, meaning, message, source, medium, noise, silence, audience, and their nuances with the social capacity to interpret, misinterpret, understand or misunderstand communication risk, pains, pleasure, intra-inter, personal, cultural, collective and global market system of communicating and all its rhetorical relationships in any social, political ecological and revolutionary communities are all in communicologic scope.

Ideology And Communication

Does communication have impact on ideology?

Ideologies cannot be developed, sustained, or challenged except through communication. And communication cannot occur without reflecting the ideology of the speaking individual and the society of which he or she is a member (Hahn 1998).

The communication between people in any society, communication scholar Dennis Mumby says, regardless of the ideology of that society, invokes a complex system of power structures that inscribes and positions individuals in particular ways and with certain constrains and possibilities on their activities.

The only way we can receive ideology is through words (we cannot taste it or touch it), and because the words that carry ideological meaning tend to come from trusted sources (such as parents, school and presidents), we are in a sense conditioned to accept ideology as it is fed to us in our schools, churches, and media. The ideological words provide what rhetorical critic Michael McGee calls a vocabulary of concepts that controls us by controlling how we can think about any phenomenon: the language predisposes us to analyse events the way anyone with that vocabulary would analyse them. Thus, if we are taught that every situation involves manipulators and victims, when we examine a new event we will, of necessity find manipulators and victims even if the new event, really is a cooperative venture where everybody wins.

Communication scholar J. Michael Sproule reminds us that the ancient Greek Society, where the idea of self-government and the corresponding necessity of rhetoric first were