Before I dive in, let me make an observation: your comments reveal a lot about you. They show who is childish, who is unreasonable, who lacks proper upbringing, and who isn’t a deep thinker.
My mother taught me an important lesson about safety and awareness. She said that when she walks past a mad person, someone who is crazy or a lunatic and is armed, she usually turns back to ensure that the person continues their journey. She never allows an armed, insane person to walk behind her. When I shared this with my wife, she told me that if she sees an armed lunatic coming her way, she usually crosses to the other side of the street. Interestingly, she doesn’t try to bind or confront the person; she simply avoids them.
There’s a deeper lesson here. If a lunatic or mad person commits an offense, they cannot be held liable for their actions. In legal terms, the defense lawyer can plead insanity or lunacy. Another related defense is the law of testamentary capacity. Therefore, be cautious when dealing with people. Here are some key points to consider:
- Accountability: If someone who is not an adult commits an offense, they might not be held accountable or suffer punishment like an adult. They are often tried in juvenile courts. So, before you take risks with people, consider whether they can be held accountable for their actions.
- Financial Capacity: Assess if the person has the financial capacity to bear the consequences of their actions. For instance, if someone riding a motorbike or a tricycle (commonly called “Keke” in Nigeria) hits your vehicle, demanding payment for damages might be futile. They might not have the financial means, and insisting on it can make you appear oppressive.
Let me share a specific example:
In 1985 or 1986 at Park Road and Judges Junction, a Range Rover, a prime car at that time, was hit by a 404 Peugeot taxi. The taxi driver, realizing the gravity of the situation, prostrated on the ground, begging for forgiveness. The car owner insisted on being compensated for the damages. However, onlookers intervened, emphasizing social justice and persuading the car owner to let the taxi driver go. This shows the importance of empathy and understanding in certain situations.
Key Takeaways
- Be Careful Who You Trust: Assess whether the person can be held accountable for their actions and what they have to lose.
- Evaluate Relationships: Be mindful of who you trust with your goods, your future, and your resources. In Nigeria, politicians like governors and presidents have immunity and cannot be held accountable for certain actions while in office. The Supreme Court in America recently ruled that Donald Trump has presidential immunity for actions taken while he was president.
- Avoid Certain Troubles: Sometimes, it’s wise to avoid trouble by crossing to the other side of the road, literally and figuratively.
Conclusion
Who are you relating with? Who is your wife, your business partner, or the person managing your resources? Be very careful. Remember the plea of lunacy and the law of testamentary capacity. Some troubles are best avoided by simply crossing to the other side of the road.
Stay wise and stay safe.
