By Chuks Nwokeji
The essence of asking questions is to obtain answers, clarifications, solutions, or explanations. It is generally said, "when you are not informed, you are deformed," which simply means asking questions to learn or to know is imperative to avoid deformation.
A focus on the controversial and questionable exhumation of Late Chief Ifeanyichukwu Amuchienwa in Ishi Ubomiri Autonomous Community, where Leo Stan Ekeh, the ICT giant, hails from, and his blood brother, HRH George Ekeh, is the Traditional Ruler of the community, it has become pertinent to question the silence of Leo Stan Ekeh on the issues surrounding the exhumation of his town's man, Late Ifeanyichukwu Donatus Amuchienwa, whom he has great respect for. The continuous intimidation, molestation of the deceased's legitimate wife, Barr. Mrs Ogechi Amuchienwa, by his separated wife of over 32 years, Chinyere Igwegbe, above all, his silence on the ripples, confusion, and malicious falsehood concocted and generated by the same separated wife of over 32 years, is not only worrisome but a bad signal to his image.
Leo Stan Ekeh knows that Barr. Mrs Henrietta Ogechi Amuchienwa, the legitimate wife of Late Chief Ifeanyichukwu Donatus Amuchienwa, is a worthy daughter of Amauburu Ubomiri in character and conduct, a decent and iconic woman, an epitome of womanhood, and a classic example of what the Bible describes as a virtuous woman. There are occasions and discussions where Leo Stan Ekeh has testified about her quality character and noted that if she was the first wife of the deceased, he would have remained a wealthy and healthy man in the land of the living.
When I juxtaposed the impressive and commendable words of Leo Stan Ekeh about Barr. Mrs Ogechi Amuchienwa in one of the discussions available to me and his questionable silence, I cannot fathom or comprehend his silence over the controversial exhumation of Dee Dona, as the deceased is fondly called, and the impunity of the oppressors of his wife. One may be forced to ask, what is wrong? Is he living the life of a Pharisee? Or "mara mara n'ihu gwompiti n'azu"? This is a question only he can answer.
I have always seen Leo Stan Ekeh as a good man, a lover of justice, and a philanthropist par excellence. However, his silence on the allegation by Chinyere that Barr. Ogechi Amuchienwa stabbed Dee Dona to death is highly worrisome, considering the fact that he truly knows such allegation never surfaced for over five months the deceased stayed in the morgue, as well as when the issue concerning the burial date of the deceased was discussed at the palace of HRH Ekeh, when they went to court, and when Chinyere dragged Barr. Mrs Ogechi and Amuchienwa Family Head, Pastor Godfrey Amuchienwa, to Tiger Base a few days before the burial.
Does he not know that the dangers of keeping silent in the face of evil are multifaceted and far-reaching? When personalities or groups remain silent in the face of injustice, they inadvertently condone and enable the perpetrators to proceed with impunity. This silence can be interpreted as acceptance, conspiracy, approval, emboldening those who perpetrate evil to continue their actions.
Silence in the face of evil also perpetuates a culture of impunity. It creates an environment where perpetrators feel empowered to continue their destructive behavior. This can lead to a breakdown in social cohesion and the erosion of trust.
Moreover, silence can have severe consequences for the victims of evil. It can lead to further victimization, trauma, and marginalization. When victims see that their plight is being ignored or downplayed, they may feel hopeless and powerless, exacerbating their suffering.
In addition, silence can also have a corrosive effect on the silent individual's moral fabric. When people fail to speak out against evil, they may experience guilt, shame, and self-doubt. This can lead to a diminished sense of self-worth and a weakened moral compass.
In the context of the exhumation of Ifeanyichukwu Amuchienwa, the silence of a personality like Leo Stan Ekeh and groups is particularly concerning. The actions of Chinyere Igwegbe and her accomplices are a clear example of evil, and those who remain silent are, in effect, conspiring or condoning their behavior.
It is essential for individuals and groups to speak out against evil and injustice, even if it's uncomfortable or difficult. Silence may seem like an easy way out, but it can have devastating consequences. As the saying goes, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
In this case, the silence of Leo Stan Ekeh, Chief Paully Ubah, and others is seen as alleged conspiracy and tacit approval of Chinyere Igwegbe's actions. It's essential for them to break their silence and speak out against the injustice and evil that has been perpetrated. This is what the public expects from a personality like Leo Stan Ekeh.
An analysis of the actions of Chinyere Igwegbe and her accomplices shows a clear example of bullying and intimidation, and any personality who remains silent may be seen as one fueling the crisis or his silence interpreted as express approval for those who perpetrate evil to continue their actions.
The silence of some individuals and groups is particularly concerning, given the vulnerable position of Ogechi Amuchienwa. As a widow, she is already at a disadvantage, and the intimidation she is facing is a clear attempt to silence her and cover up the truth. If I may ask, how can Leo Stan Ekeh keep quiet in the face of calculated falsehood, evil agenda to frame up an Amauburu daughter and jail her when her hands are clean, and the one allegedly piloting this evil agenda is a separated wife of over 32 years? Someone the general public knows her questionable, controversial behavioral mannerism and attitudinal discrepancies.
The intimidation of Ogechi Amuchienwa, the legitimate wife of Late Chief Ifeanyichukwu Donatus Amuchienwa, is a stark reminder of the dangers of silence in the face of evil. The media, analysts, many critical stakeholders, and the general public are of the view that the silence of some individuals and groups in the controversial exhumation is a clear indication that they are not committed to justice and fairness.
In conclusion, Leo Stan Ekeh, as an illustrious son of Amauburu Ubomiri, should know, Mbaitoli LGA, should know that all eyes are on him to condemn the injustice in the desecration of Dee Dona, the malicious frame-up against the legitimate wife by the separated wife of over 32 years as one who allegedly stabbed the husband, or commend justice for the oppressed as seen in the verdict of the Acting Chief Judge who invalidated the questionable exhumation allegedly carried out with impunity and criminality by over 32 years separated wife of the deceased Chinyere Igwegbe.
From public perception, the silence of Leo Stan Ekeh is not only questionable, but also a stain to his image and hard earned reputation, he may think it doesn't matter but is gradually becoming matters arising.