G.G DARAH Immediate Commentary on the passing of COMRADE FRANK OVIE KOKORI
The death of Olorogun Comrade Frank Ovie-Kokori has further depleted the ranks of revolutionary leaders of the Nigerian working class movement.
He was devoted to political work for the emancipation of the oppressed and exploited majority of the people. He belongs to the legendary heritage of radical socialist trade unionists like Michael Imoudu, Kola Balogun, Nduka Eze, Gogo Chu Nzeribe, Ola Oni, Sidi Khayam, Lailai Dongoyaro, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Eskor Toyo, Mayirue Kolagbodi, Wahab Goodluck, and Jonathan Ihonde. Ovie-Kokori is one of the greatest titans of democratic struggles in Nigeria and Africa.
He was brave and incorruptible in union work and politics. As the Secretary-General of NUPENG, Ovie-Kokori led the oil workers strike of August 1994 against the military junta of Gen Sani Abacha.
The strikers demanded the release from detention of Chief M. K. O. Abiola, winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election cancelled by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. The strike paralysed the nation’s economy and damaged Abacha’s fate beyond recovery. Ovie-Kokori and his compatriot, Milton Dabibi were arrested and detained in remote gulacs for four years; this endangered their health and Ovie-Kokori never completely recovered from the harrowing experience.
Thanks to the 1994 oil workers uprising, the pro-democracy campaign coordinated by the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) got stronger, making the end of Abacha and military rule inevitable.
All beneficiaries of elected governments in Nigeria from 1999 are indebted to the sacrifice made by Ovie-Kokori and other anti-military agitators.
Like Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Comrade Frank Ovie-Kokori always advocated the mantra: “The struggle is my life”. His legacy will endure through the ages in Nigeria, Africa and the world.
Prof G. G. Darah
