CIRCUMSTANTIAL ADJUNCT IN SELECTED PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL SPEECHES

Abstract

This study analyses circumstantial elements in selected Nigerian presidential inaugural speeches, paying attention to their frequency distributions and rhetorical implications. Three purposively selected presidential inaugural speeches, which were culled from the newspapers’ website constitute the data for the study. Anchoring on Halliday’s classification of circumstance, the study identifies Location as the predominant circumstance (47.3%), which suggests a strong emphasis on spatial and temporal references to situate governance actions within spatial and temporal contexts. Next to Location is Cause (22%), which provides justifications for governmental policies and decisions. Manner (9.3%) and Role (8%) play significant roles in defining the leaders’ self-presentation and governance perspectives. Sparingly used but significant circumstances include Accompaniment (3.3%), Matter (2.7%), Angle (2.7%), and Contingency (2.7%). They contribute to expressions of alliances, subject focus, perspectives, and conditionality. Extent (2%) is
the lowest. Its low occurrence may be attributed to a preference for qualitative over quantitative assessments. Tinubu’s speech exhibits the highest circumstantial occurrences, followed by Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan’s. This point to varied rhetorical and policy-driven strategies. The study demonstrates how linguistic choices in political discourse reflect governance priorities, national unity, and leadership styles.