Shaming in digital discourses in Nigeria: Performative deliberation and agency in abba Kyari’s corruption allegation

Abstract

This article examines the use of tweets, humorous texts, and memes for shaming purposes in the corruption case of Abba Kyari, a Nigerian police chief. Using insights from Arabella Lyon’s notions of agency and performative deliberation, the article argues that internet social media platforms such as Twitter have evolved into powerful cultural sites of protests and resistance for Nigerian users. Findings reveal that cultural forms of communication such as memes, humor, and tweets become tools of shaming used by Nigerian netizens to register online protests in the country. Further, the study reveals that social media platforms have made reallocation of power possible for ordinary Nigerians to have their say on political issues and to stage protests against political corruption and marginalization in society. The study orients Nigerians and others to online protest culture rhetoric in Nigeria and its social and political functions.