Comrade Ovie Kokori
GENERAL SECRETARY 1982-1999
BIOGRAPHY OF LATE COMRADE FRANK OVIE KOKORI
FORMER GENERAL SECRETARY, NUPENG
Late Comrade Frank Ovie Kokori was an Elder statesman and a distinguished former General Secretary of this great Union, NUPENG, who voluntarily retired in 1999 after an illustrious career dedicated to advancing workers’ rights and strengthening the labour movement.
Early Life and Journey into the Labour Movement
Born on December 7, 1944, in Warri, Bendel State (now Delta State), Nigeria, Comrade Kokori’s commitment to labour activism was evident early in his life. He pursued studies in Trade Unionism and Industrial Relations at the University of Ibadan in 1974 and obtained several related professional certifications, both locally and internationally, enhancing his leadership capabilities.
Before joining NUPENG as Deputy General Secretary on September 1, 1978, Comrade Kokori served as General Secretary of the Agip Workers Union and the BP Workers Union of Nigeria. His professional journey also included a role as District Sales Representative with Lever Brothers Nigeria Limited and Tarriff Assistant with National Electric Power Authority (NEPA). In 1982, the National Executive Council of the Union appointed him as General Secretary to take over from his Boss, Comrade Asiyan Effiom Otu, after operating in Acting capacity for a short period – stepping fully into leadership during a challenging period for the Union.
Championing Workers’ Rights and the Fight for Democracy
During his time, Comrade Kokori made significant contributions to both labour rights and Nigeria’s democratic struggle. A defining moment of his leadership was the pivotal “June 12 Struggle” in 1993, where the Union “NUPENG”, under his guidance, organized a nationwide strike in response to the annulment of the June 12 presidential election – widely believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola. His actions played a crucial role in challenging military authoritarianism and promoting democratic governance in Nigeria.
His activism came with significant personal sacrifices, including unjust incarceration under the military regime of General Sani Abacha in 1994. Throughout his imprisonment from 1994 to 1998, Comrade Kokori endured harsh conditions in Bama Prison, Borno State, North-East Nigeria. He regained his freedom on June 16, 1998, just sixteen days after Abacha’s death. Despite these trials, his resilience and unwavering commitment to democracy and justice remained steadfast.
His book, titled The Struggle for June 12, speaks volumes about his personality, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication to the labor movement and national development. It is worth mentioning that Comrade Frank Ovie Kokori played a frontline role in collaboration with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and other pro-democracy organizations, in bringing an end to military rule in Nigeria
National Impact and Contributions Beyond NUPENG
Beyond his contributions to NUPENG, Comrade Kokori played a significant role in national development. Between 1987 and 1988, he served on the Constitutional Review Committee of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, contributing to critical policy discussions. In 1992, he was appointed Administrative Secretary and Director General of the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), which later evolved into the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Throughout his later years, he remained actively involved in various national initiatives. His unwavering dedication to labor reforms and national progress earned him widespread recognition and respect across diverse sectors, both locally and internationally.
Enduring Legacy and Final Years
Until his passing on December 7, 2023, at the age of 80, Comrade Kokori remained an esteemed Veteran of this Union, whose experience and guidance were frequently sought by Union members and leaders. His contributions to the labour movement and national development continue to inspire.
Comrade Kokori was laid to rest with dignity in his hometown of Ovu, Ethiope-East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. His enduring commitment to workers’ rights, democracy, and national advancement remains a cornerstone of NUPENG’s history and legacy.
Rest in peace, Gallant Comrade!
