I have long realized that we're dealing with fools. More talk or writing would not change anything. However, as 2019 creeps on us, I'll like to remind the citizens of Colony of Fools to make a wise decision in 2019. For ages, the fool has been immortalized in stories. In Plato's Republic, Socrates uses analogy commonly referred to as the “Ship of Fools” to explain foolishness given the societal environment where one who pursues knowledge is not highly regarded. Socrates notes that the generally accepted incompetent leadership produces chaos and disaster.
We have been here before. Many people have written about the foolishness of Colony of Fools. It is apparent that they don't want change. They are quick to argue why they can't change, why they don't need change, and why they are not responsible for the same results they are getting.
I have long realized that we're dealing with fools. More talk or writing would not change anything. However, as 2019 creeps on us, I'll like to remind the citizens of Colony of Fools to make a wise decision in 2019. For ages, the fool has been immortalized in stories. In Plato's Republic, Socrates uses analogy commonly referred to as the “Ship of Fools” to explain foolishness given the societal environment where one who pursues knowledge is not highly regarded. Socrates notes that the generally accepted incompetent leadership produces chaos and disaster.
Here's Socrates: “Imagine then a fleet of ship in which there is a captain who is taller and stronger than any of the crew, but he is a little deaf and has a similar infirmity in sight, and his knowledge of navigation is not much better. The sailors quarreling with one another about steering – every one is of the opinion that he has a right to steer, though he has never learned the art of navigation and cannot tell who taught him or when he learned, and will further assert that it cannot be taught, and they are ready to cut in pieces any one who says the contrary...” Sounds farmiliar? Socrates perfectly describes the Colony of Fools.
The Colony of Fools is always in a state of mutiny. Ironically, the ruling class is the mutineers. Soyinka and Shakespeare often connect morality with foolishness, as well as mingles insanity with wisdom. Soyinka's Madmen and Specialists and Shakespeare's King Lear brilliantly depict fools and foolishness, insanity and wisdom. In the Colony of Fools, there are different kinds of fools. There's the teachable fool called “the simple one.” This kind of fools are naive, gullible, or too trusting. They are untrained and cannot discern what would cause them great harm. They lack sense. They are easily manipulated and controlled. But they can be taught if they'll listen.
Another category of fools that inhabit Colony of Fools are the hardened fools. They are thick and stupid. They are neither young nor naive, but they are hardened fools who make foolish decisions. They are never persuaded by reason or collective wisdom. They despise wisdom and correction. They reject good advice. Doing wrong is like a joke to them. They have been hardened fools for years. They live a life of folly. They will continue in foolishness because changing would be too difficult. They hate advice and suggestions. They are quick to be angry and contentious. They always associate with evil. John Paterson summarizes their mentality: “Neither through pores of their skin nor through the avenues of their hardened hearts could one drive in wisdom. They were mentally immune to instruction.” Again, sounds farmiliar?
And there are arrogant fools. They are called “scoffers” meaning haughty people who acts with arrogant pride. More than five decades of misrule, poverty, corruption, and collapsed disorder, citizens of Colony of Fools refused to grow up, refused to be wise. They never accept advice. They are unteachable. They refused needed discipline and sacrifice. “You cannot separate fools from their foolishness,” the Book of Proverbs warned us, “even though you grind them like grain with mortar and pestle.” With all the sufferings brought upon them by their oppressors, they still never seem to learn. No matter how bad the consequences of their choices they repeat the same bullshit over and over. They are in endless want. Are you getting the picture?
When they are sick, the oppressors tell them to die quickly because there's no hospital to treat them, while the oppressors rush to overseas hospital for medical treatment. When they are hungry, they tell them to sell their children and buy food. For lack of jobs, they tell young men to take to armed robbery and young women prostitution. Though the oppressors are responsible for their problems, the citizens of Colony of Fools will defend, support, and protect the same oppressors with their blood. They get angry when you advocate on their behalf for responsible and responsive government. They call you names when you criticize or call their oppressors thieves, clueless, looters, and wicked. They'll say: “How dare you insult our leaders?” Who are you to be rude to our leaders?” “Yes, they are thieves, but why can't you just respect the office of the thieves?” “You don't have to insult or abuse our leaders to put your views across.” Don’t curse me out yet. I know you’re one of them and you’re mad with me now.
Because they are hardened fools, they don't see the reason why we should call thieves thieves for there's no other name for thieves than thieves. In their foolishness, they address their oppressors “Your excellency,” and the dishonorable ones honorable. They lack the wisdom to agree with the saying that “like a snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.” They forget that wisdom gives light to the eyes, while foolishness causes blindness. Which is why they are blinded to reason, to truth, and to reality. Which is why they have been brainwashed by their oppressors that they (citizens) are not good enough to hold any elective office or aspire to be the president because they don't have experience in stealing, looting, robbery, assassination, kidnapping, abduction, and corruption. Now, you know what I’m talking about.
When you try to show them the way or guide them in order to make wise choices and wise decisions, they label you as angry and rude writer as if their foolishness and the wickedness of their oppressors are not enough to make one mad. Can you see the need for this article? See, foolishness is something that is better prevented than cured.
The people of Colony of Fools have another opportunity come 2019 to reject or renew fraternity with their oppressors. Some of the worst political lepers the world woukd ever know are running for president: Bukola Abiku Mesujamba Saraki, Atiku Abubakar, and David Mark. For once, I hope people of Colony of Fools would disappoint people like me by sending their oppressors packing in 2019.
Let's go there!