| ID | 172345 |
| Title Proper | Polarisation and the sustenance of Biafra secessionist discourses online |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Ajiboye, Esther |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This study examines polarisation in citizens’ online discourses about Biafra agitations in Nigeria. Using critical discourse analysis and the appraisal framework, it analyses 350 Biafra-related posts sampled from Nigerian digital communities. Analysis reveals that polarisation is discursively strengthened through labelling, ethnocentrism, generalisations, and historical allusions. This study concludes that the creation, consumption and unfettered distribution of such polarised discourses reflect Nigeria’s unitarist-federalism. It adds that the instigation of this socio-political fact about Nigeria can foster the cultivation/reinforcement of cognitive biases, harmful ideologies, and consequently, radicalisation/violence. It recommends that the minders of the Nigerian state should amicably address the Biafran agitations. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Asian and African Studies Vol. 55, No.4; Jun 2020: p.475–491 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Asian and African Studies 2020-06 55, 4 |
| Key Words | Nigeria ; Secession ; Separatist ; Biafra ; Online Discourse ; Stance |