LANGUAGE MANIPULATION, MULTILINGUALISM AND UNFULFILLED CAMPAIGN PROMISES AS HARBINGERS FOR INSECURITY IN WEST AFRICA: A NIGERIA EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Language plays a crucial role in the peace processes and security situation of any country. When a language is used with the sole aim of deceiving the people for a political favor, it backfires because the people would not be fooled forever. This study investigates the relationship between language manipulation, multilingualism and unfulfilled campaign promises and the insecurity plaguing the West African sub-region. A particular focus is on Nigeria’s prolonged insecurity as witnessed in the country since 2015. The study adopts Speech Act Theory as its framework. It discovers that the majority of insecurity problem facing the country stems from the negative use of language, and mismanagement of multilingual settings of the country. The agitations and secession threats facing the country today are as results of failure to address multilingualism and the campaign promises adequately. The study recommends absolute implementation of the Federal Character Principles as enshrined in the constitution.