By Sani Bello Hamza
I borrowed the title from the erudite diction of my mentor Dr. Hassan Gimba in an article published in his weekly column in Blueprint Newspaper. After reading the article, I realized it is pertinent for Nigerians to have a clear view of what they are doing and what they are expected to be doing as patriots. Thus, I decide to re-write the article.
The two words “Wailers” and “Hailers” have various definitions, just like other words in English language. However, I will narrow the scope to only Dictionary and Domestic definitions of the words.
The verb “Wail” according to Oxford dictionary simply means; To make a long Loud high cry especially because you are sad or in pain. Or, to cry or complain about something. On the other hand, to “Hail” means to cheer or salute. Simple!
From the domestic point of view, Nigerians started using the words “Wailers” and “Hailers” in the early stage of former president Buhari’s first term as a president (i.e 2016-2018). This attracted the attention of Nigerian scholars to Domesticate the words and give them Domestic meaning. Among the scholars is; Professor Farooq Kperogi; a Professor of Journalism at Kennessaw State University in USA. He wittingly defines “Wailer” as a critic of president Buhari. And “Hailer” as a partisan and die-hard follower of the former president.
Prof’s definition is all encompassing. As it can be used to define the recent happening in Nigeria. Interchangeably, Wailers are now the critics of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT); Hailers are Partisans and die-hard followers of PBAT.
After the may 29 handover; the subsequent removal of fuel subsidy; coupled with other harsh economic decisions implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the country, the two factions resurfaced again across the country. Hailers and Wailers.
“Hailers” are calling on Nigerians to stay calm as the president is an experienced leader and he will steer the country to the promise land. The “Wailers” on the other hand are already lamenting and criticizing the actions and inactions of the president; they perceive every step taken by him is a step towards economic or social destruction.
Sadly, in Nigeria today, our Hailing or Wailing depends on our social or political affiliation with the leader (ship). We Hail a leader (ship) whom we share the same religion, tribe or region with. We Wail miserably at the leader (ship) who do not belong to our tribe, religion or region.
The fundamental question now here is; Who are more Patriotic? Hailers or Wailers?
Truth must be told, there is no problem in Wailing or Hailing as far as both are done reasonably, not sentimentally. Criticizing a leader (ship) is a necessary virtue of responsible followers. Infact, it is highly encouraged in Islam. The followers are as well encouraged to cheer, clap and Hail their leader (ship) when necessary.
To answer the above question, both Hailers and Wailers can be Patriots, if they Hail and Wail reasonably. When the leader (ship) implements people friendly policies; protects the rule of law; ensure accountability in governance; enhance political and economic participation and ensure security of lives and properties of his followers, he deserves to be HAILED.
However, when the leader (ship) is Embezzling public funds; Implementing anti-people policies; granting asylum to corrupt politicians, indeed he deserve to be WAILED at miserably without considering his social or political status. Going by Ecclesiastes 3:1 of the Holy Bible; “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted….” going by the ryhme and rythm, there is a time to HAIL and a time to WAIL. We must learn to use both judiciously.
SANI BELLO HAMZA writes from Zaria Kaduna State and can be reach through – sanibellohamza@gmail.com
