Dr. TAJ's Show, Abuja (2026)

09/07/2025

Humour, Power and Political Identity in Nigeria: A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis of “Before Harmattan, There Was Cold – Wike"
By
TIAMIYU Abiola
Jamiu,PhD

1. Introduction

This piece explores a humorous political image that features a quote attributed to Nigerian politician,the current minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,Nigeria, Nyesom Wike, captioned “Before harmattan, there was cold – Wike”. The image includes visual and textual elements that interact to create a satirical, political commentary within the sociopolitical context of Nigeria. The quote, though seemingly tautological and devoid of any deep logical insight, offers rich ground for critical interpretation, especially in the way it reflects public perception of political rhetoric and identity.

2. Description of the Image (Multimodal Elements)

Visual: The central figure is dressed in winter clothing, wearing a bright red hat (reminiscent of academic regalia), dark jacket
and scarf, arms crossed, appearing serious and composed. Snowflakes and clouds in the background, along with cold wind lines, reinforce the theme of cold weather.

Textual: The text reads, “Before harmattan, there was cold – Wike”. The phrase is styled in a formal serif font to mimic the appearance of a profound quote or public declaration. The name "Wike" is placed underneath to assert attribution, invoking the figure of Nyesom Wike.

Stylistic Composition: The overall tone is deliberately exaggerated to mimic the conventions of motivational or philosophical posters, but with underlying sarcasm.

3. Sociopolitical Context (Nigeria)

In Nigerian political culture, public figures, especially, governors and ministers are known for making bold, sometimes comical or redundant public statements. Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State and current FCT Minister, is widely recognized for his dramatic speeches, unique fashion sense, and quotable remarks, which have become internet memes. The public often perceives Nigerian politicians as performative, detached from citizens' daily struggles, or excessively focused on appearances and rhetoric rather than action.

4. Analysis

a. Intertextuality and Interdiscursivity

The quote mocks the tradition of presenting ordinary facts as profound truths, a recurring trope in political communication. The statement mimics a proverb or philosophical aphorism but offers a redundant observation (harmattan is a cold season; logically, cold precedes cold). This reflects a critique of political speeches that are sometimes content-light but delivery-heavy.

b. Satirical Function and Irony

The use of humour and irony is crucial. The image subtly ridicules the Nigerian political elite’s tendency to assert the obvious as wisdom, drawing laughter while highlighting deeper concerns about leadership vacuity and empty oratory.

c. Representation and Identity Construction

Wike is visually constructed as a "serious intellectual" figure, clad in winter attire, arms crossed in a scholarly or defiant posture. The red cap (associated with traditional or ceremonial leadership) and scarf exaggerate his typical public appearance, aligning with his perceived persona: flamboyant, authoritative, and often meme-worthy.

d. Power, Ideology, and Public Sentiment

The image represents a popular ideological stance: the public's disillusionment with leadership and political theatrics. It draws power from social media culture where memes become tools of political commentary and resistance. By rendering a political figure comical, the image reclaims discursive power from the elite and redistributes it to the public.

5. Semiotic Modes Interaction

Linguistic Mode: The quote operates as both language and punchline.

Visual Mode: The exaggerated dressing and posture contrast with the banal statement.

Cultural Mode: The red cap and expression link the image to Nigerian political identity.

Digital Mode: Shared via WhatsApp or Facebook (as shown), it leverages virality in Nigerian digital culture to amplify critique.

6. Implications for Nigerian Political Narratives

The image exemplifies how ordinary Nigerians use humour and social media to challenge political authority. It reveals growing skepticism towards political elites and the transformation of digital platforms into discursive battlegrounds where citizens redefine leadership narratives.

7. Conclusion

The meme “Before harmattan, there was cold – Wike” is a powerful multimodal artifact that combines satire, visual parody, and political critique. Through it, Nigerian citizens navigate their frustrations with governance, employing humour as a soft yet incisive weapon to question and mock elite political culture. It is a reminder that in postmodern Nigeria, politics is no longer confined to parliament—it is performed, debated, and dismantled in the marketplace of memes.

CHEERS!