Communication strategies and governance in driving national development: An analysis of peter Obi's speeches

Abstract

Effective communication and proficient governance are indispensable components for fostering socio-economic progress and societal  cohesion within a nation. This study examines the critical role of communication Strategies and Governance in advancing development  with a specific focus on analyzing speeches delivered by Mr. Peter Obi, a 2023 presidential aspirant of Labour Party in Nigeria. The study  employs Howard Giles Accommodation Theory (1991) as the theoretical framework for analyzing the dynamic interplay between  communication strategies and Governance in driving National development. The theory posits that individuals adjust their  communication behaviour to align with or diverge from the linguistic norms and expectations of their interlocutors, influenced by factors  such as social identity, power differentials and relational dynamics. The study analyzed twenty five (25) communication strategies from  different speeches of Mr. Peter Obi to scrutinize the rhetorical techniques, policy articulations and leadership narratives employed by Obi  in his speeches elucidating how he accommodates or diverges from linguistic norms to foster effective communication and governance  practices. The study reveals valuable insights and best practices for policy makers, communication practitioners, and governance  stakeholders seeking to leverage communication strategies to drive tangible outcomes for societal progress and cohesion. The analysis  underscores the pivotal role of communication accommodation in shaping the trajectory of national development initiatives, highlighting  it is significance as a lens for understanding the complexities of governance and communication dynamics in contemporary societies.