Life as a whole is an irony. However, there are two most important occasions in the life of man, yet the involved does not take note of these special events. But instead others do.
The day one is born and day he dies are two memorable scenes, but others record the events. In order words, even those taking notes of these important events for others would not be there when it will be their own turn.
And again, we are all aware that death is a compulsory debt owed by every living being, yet whenever it occurs we fill shocked. This despite the fact that the dead lived a long time, died young or even suffered from a protracted illness.
The death of Hon Ukachi Amaechi shocked me, because I spoke with her two days before someone called to inform me of her demise.
The story was still incredulous to me until the news went viral on face book and wasap.
My path crossed with that of Ukachi Amaechi in 1999 when she ran for an elective position in Owerri West LGA under the platform of the All Peoples Party APP, (not All Nigerian Peoples Party ANPP).
Then I was working with Announcer Express Newspaper. So, she ran to me for Media help, as she believed that Announcer then was the voice of the opposition, as other Newspapers in the State were controlled by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
I followed her public career up to the time she became the Imo State Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), a battle she fought until her faction was recognised by then Governor Achike Udenwa’s Government, and was given an office at the new Secretariat located at PortHarcourt road,Owerri.
It was from her surjourn in National Youth Council that her leadership qualities began to gleam. I cannot forget the visit to Imo State by then President Olusegun Obasanjo.
During an interaction session with Imo people at the Lawn Tennis Court at Douglas House premises, Owerri, President Obasanjo elected to entertain questions from the people.
The anchor man, Sir Bright Nwelue, who was the moderator of the event chosed those to ask questions. And one of those people was Ukachi Amaechi.
When the youthful beautiful Lady rose to ask her question, President Obasanjo lost control of himself and stared steadily at the Obinze born Beauty to the amuzement of all.
In his joking manner, Baba drawled “This one na sweet Potato. Bright where you bring this one from?” Everyone at the invent burst into laughter.
No one could blame Obasanjo. Ukachi Amaechi is not only naturally beautiful, but also intelligent. Therefore, when a woman is beautiful and intelligent the sky is her limit.
It did not take long before Ukachi Amaechi’s name appeared on the list of those to be in Abuja to brain storm on the National Delegate Conference.
There at the conference, despite her age, she lived up to her billing by making useful contributions and therefore, her name joined the list of wise men and women of Nigeria whose qualities were sought to shape the Federation called Nigeria.
Returning from the National conference, Ukachi Amaechi joined the race for Imo House of Assembly for Owerri West Constituency, where she won both the PDP primaries and the main election.
Therefore, between 2007-2011, Ukachi was a Lawmaker, and she ended up being the Majority Leader, and the first woman to hold that post in Imo Legislature. When she failed to return to the House, she simply moved to Abuja where she faced her business and family, dedicating more time to her two beautiful daughters.
Having moved to Abuja, Ukachi became a little scarce in Imo politics, even though she hardly missed any crucial meeting that has to do with her party, the PDP.
For instance, when the PDP tried to regain its soul sometime late last year, Ukachi was one of the Speakers at that heated Forum, which took place at the PDP State office along Okigwe road, while the other group held theirs at Aladinma Shopping Mall Owerri.
That day, Ukachi as usual spoke from the deep of her heart, and told Imo PDP Leaders point blank, what she thinks was wrong with the Party, and what should be done to recall all members.She sat down at the deafening ovation from the Party members. Infact, that seems to be her last political outing before she answered the final call.
However, my relationship with Ukachi took a new dimension on December 29, 2014. That was the day I lost my dear wife, Chizoba Henry- Ekpe in a motor accident.
That day, I had left Orlu Teaching Hospital at about 6am, with the dead body of my wife, who passed on at exactly 12. 45 am that day.
As l left that hospital for Owerri to deposit Chizomam at Aladinma hospital, I called two people to uniform them of the traumatic tragedy; they were His Excellency, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, and His Excellency, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha.
But to my greatest surprise, immediately I arrived my village in Ngor Okpala, the next person I saw trailing behind Ohakim’s vehicle was that of Hon Ukachi Amaechi.
Shattered and still confused with Chizoma’s death, I could understand why Ohakim was the first to call on me, at least I informed him, but what of Ukachi? And I had not seen her for over a year till that fateful day. Could she be here for Chizoma’s death? So early? It could not be because though I know we are friends, not to the extent of being among the first callers to visit me after about ten hours I lost my wife.
Surprisingly, the next day, Ukachi came to Ngor Okpala again, but this time her entourage has increased by two other vehicles. I concluded that this my sister may have suddenly developed a big love for my family, or maybe she may have some relationship with my wife. But Chizoma did not tell me about it, because I know nearly all my wife’s close friends and business partners.
Then suddenly on January 3, 2015, five days after my wife’s death my phone rang and it was my Boss Ikedi Ohakim. After exchange of pleasantries, he just told me “Henry, Hon Ukachi Amaechi will call. Please listen to her” I did not ask what for? I just waited for her call. Instead the call did not come, but she appeared in my compound the next day, with a more larger entourage, this time with some elderly people she later introduced as her father and Aunty; her father’s younger sister.
She now opened up. Hon Ukachi Amaechi told me she has been a constant visitor to my house since my wife died because she was reading my mood to know when to break into me. But haven seen that I was growing “worse” every passing day and as time was running fast, she had to go through my Oga, Ikedi Ohakim.
Ukachi now broke the dice; “the man, Reuben who ran over and killed Chizoba your wife is my blood cousin. His father is my mother’s elder brother. Please ,we are sorry for what happened and have come to see how we can begin discussion of how to bury your wife, and may be bail Reuben from police detention” she said .what happened and have come to see how we can begin discussion of how to bury your wife, and may be bail Reuben from police detention” she said .
All she said sunk in very well, but the last few words “bail Reuben from police detention” broke my heart. Instead of going angry, I simply stared at her deeply and could not utter any other word. So, they party left and returned two days after.
Ukachi continued to visit my house every day. So one day I told her we should go to police station to see this her cousin who killed my wife. We met at Traffic Police how I will react, seeing Reuben, the man who killed my wife, while reversing his vehicle.Station, Shell Camp Owerri, where she was very apprehensive, wondering how I will react, seeing Reuben, the man who killed my wife, while reversing his vehicle.
In the midst of police men, I set my eyes on Mr Reuben Naze, the cousin of Ukachi who ran over my wife where she was simply sitting down with me, enjoying a bottle of schweps.
From hence on, discussions shifted to when I would like to bury my wife, how much would they bring as compensation and burial rite, and to release Reuben.
Ukachi and family made proposals ranging from thousands of naira, while my people demanded millions of naira.
However, while these meetings were going on, both parties did not know that I just allowed them to go on; for the Ukachi Group to know how much they ought to have paid and for my people to also know that I collected nothing from anybody in lieu of my wife’s life.
After fixing the burial date, I told Ukachi to come with his people and also invited my people. When both parties arrived and waited for my pronouncement, I told Ukachi and family that I am not taking a dime, not even a bottle of water from them. Because no amount of money will bring back Chizomam to life.
And for my people, I told them that I had to make the pronouncement in the presence of the visitors, so that nobody goes tomorrow to paddle any “rumour” that I took money as compensation for my wife’s death.
Yet, January 30, 2015, on the date of burial, Ukachi came with a big envelop, pleading I should take it, even if to buy Kola. But I politely rejected it, including the Drinks they brought. Not that I nursed any ulterior motive, No. It was because I did not want anything from anybody as a booty for my lovely dear wife. No amount can quantify Chizomam. Both in Gold and Silver.
Therefore, when I called HonUkachi on December 11, 2015, it was to inform her of my wife’s first death anniversary. But a few days after, she was dead. So while Ukachi was negotiating about my wife’s death, she did not know that she would follow her, even before it was one year.
Today, I communicate with Reuben on phone. I even sent him a message commiserating over Ukachi’s death. Yes, Reuben killed my wife in an accident, but what can I do? Wishing him death will not bring back Chizomam. It is only God who decides our fate in life. I don’t wish anybody dead. But what is certain is that we all have our date before our creator.
Chizomam has gone. Now it is Ukachi. Who next? What death should teach man is that the earth is not a permanent place, as we must leave all that we acquired on earth here to face the Lord.
Ukachi my sister, sleep well. When you meet Chizomam, tell her that we (me and the kids) are marching on with life wondering really if we will not see her again? This world is a mystery. Greet Chizomam for me. And Good night.
