The wedding of Ese Walters to her Abuja’s Cool FM’s heartthrob, Benny
Ark, remains the biggest Valentine story of the year. Only last year,
Ese had alleged that she had an affair with a popular Abuja-based
pastor. Her accusations created waves across the country, even as she
said that she opened up to clear her conscience of any guilt.
If you missed their ‘True Love Story’ feature, you can read it ‘HERE’.
In an interview with Sun, the On-Air- Personality fondly called the ‘Ark of
Cool’ by his fans speaks on his career, a lifelong love for radio, and
why he settled for Ese despite the controversy
surrounding her.
See excerpts below:
YOU GOT MARRIED TO THE LADY WHO EXPOSED WHAT COULD BE DESCRIBED AS
THE ROT IN A POPULAR ABUJA CHURCH. WHEN SHE MADE THE REVELATION OF HER
REGRET OVER THE AFFAIR WITH THE POPULAR PASTOR, HOW DID THE PEOPLE
AROUND YOU REACT WHEN YOU PICKED HER AS YOUR WIFE?
Amazingly, the people around us were supportive and understanding. It
was some outsiders who were not privy to a whole lot of stuff that were
making some kind of remarks. But the truth is, we were just friends
when she told me about what happened. I was pained and hurt because here
was a man who I held in high esteem. I only told her to do what she had
to do because she felt like she was enslaved by something she didn’t
have control over. And when she tried to reach out for disclosure that
would have led to her healing, she was treated badly by some people who
sent the message that some person is untouchable. I can tell you that
she reached out not once or twice. In the end, she did what she did for
her peace of mind and to encourage others who are in a similar
situation. She opened up not because she is the boldest person; she knew
that she was taking a big risk. But she opened up because she is
someone who has a conscience and will not stand for something wrong. Her
making that bold move endeared her to me.
When she came out with the
truth, I believed her, having heard the same story two or three times
from other women. When she spoke out, she was attacked. But I believe
that with her simple act of speaking the truth, she not only liberated
herself but also other women in a similar situation.
NOW THAT YOU ARE MARRIED, WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS?
Some people describe marriage as settling down. But I don’t agree
with that assertion because an individual ought to be settled before
getting into marriage. For me, getting married is starting the journey
to the fulfillment of what God created me for. My purpose is to promote
love, hope and faith among the people around me. There is a whole lot of
abuse going on in relationships with the women at the receiving end.
And it is not supposed to be so. This is why we all have to spread
the message of love until we heal many relationships. So, the hope I
have for my union with a woman I love so much, a woman who is a sweet
companion to me is that we will reach out to men and women promoting the
right values for a good marriage. I cannot change everybody but I am
going to spark up the thought that marriage should be enjoyed and it
should be the vehicle to the fulfillment of life’s purpose.
WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING, WHAT ARE THE THINGS YOU LOVE DOING?
These days, I spend my spare time with my wife chatting and playing.
We share ideas because we both write. There are a whole lot of things we
have in the kitty. We hope to stage a reality show. I also run a PR
firm and I am into events. So, I am always busy with how to make life
meaningful for others and me.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT PUT YOU OFF?
Double standards and hypocrisy. I don’t like people who say something
in front of you and say the opposite behind your back. I am a blunt
person. I speak my mind. I don’t have any reason to say things behind
people’s backs.
