*My Brother, My Friend, My Husband.*
Makie Makie! Amaka Jideani! That was what he always called me till the last time we saw or spoke. He was my soul brother. And so as close as Mike might think he was to Chuks, we both know I was just as close if not closer. And same could be said of Chuks’ wife, Ngozi and Mike.
So, it would be natural that Chuks was the last person that Mike hugged when he left for England in 1992 with his last words as he put my hand in Chuks’: “Look after my family especially my wife for me.” And Chuks did. He made sure we never wanted anything. He kept my path straight and narrow, for 3 years while my husband, then fiancé was away in England before I later joined him. But while Chuks was that Special friend whom I confided in and who confided in me, I am aware that many of Chuks’ friends can say that about him too. He was that Special. My Special friend. But also special friends to everyone, young and old, male and female.
We will never know how Chuks managed to do this. All I know (and I know many of Chuks’ friends know this), is that we owe Chuks’ and Ngozi’s children a world of gratitude for sharing their parents with us. They must know that, while we will not impose on them, they have parents in all of us Chuks’ and Ngozi’s friends. They should never feel that they lack or want, because Chuks and Ngozi left a deep well of friendship that will never run dry. Rest In Peace Chuks my good old friend.