TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR FRIEND AND COUSIN, CHUKS OKEKE.
It is hard to believe that I am writing this tribute to my dear friend and brother Chuks a.k.a Akunatakasi, Nwokike.
Nwokike, so it is true that you have departed this world. This is really sad. The last time we met was at a birthday party and you left early as I was arriving saying you were not feeling well and wanted to go home to rest. I never knew that would be my last time seeing you alive.
Nwokike this is very painful to me. I tried calling you severally afterwards but could not get through only to hear about your demise a few days later. I broke down for days and I am still in shock. I couldn’t control my tears on that day.
Our early childhood was full of memorable events and experiences. I still remember the day we went to Nsugbe with your late mum’s 404 Peugeot pick-up vehicle and on our way back to Otuocha, one of the front tyres of the vehicle pulled off at a high speed and was seen ahead of our vehicle and you asked me hurriedly, Obiora o buro tyre anyi di ive nwe? (Obiora is this not our tyre?). I looked as I was driving and said yes. God saved us that day and we later found the tyre in the bush.
We were fond of each other. You were really a brother and a good friend to me.
Nwokike, I will always remember your uniquevoice. You were a good man, a bridge builder, a crowd puller, and very outspoken.
Chuks, words cannot express the way I feel about your demise.
It was a rude shock to my family and I but we trust and place our hope in God believing that He (God) knows the best. We pray for all your loved ones, family, friends and most especially your children that the Holy Spirit the comforter will comfort and keep them safe, Amen.
Chuks my brother and friend, I also thank God for the life you spent on earth and pray that your soul rests in the bosom of the Almighty God, Amen.
Jee nke oma Chuks nwanne m. God bless your soul. I will always remember you as my good friend and brother.
Adieu Akunatakasi.
Adieu Nwokike.
Obi Manafa