The family of late pro-democracy icon, Comrade Frank Ovie Kokori, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for posthumously conferring the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) honour on their patriarch. However, they are also appealing for a higher national honour to more fittingly reflect Kokori’s extraordinary contributions to Nigeria’s democratic history.
In a statement signed by Kive Kokori, the family described the CON award as a “commendable step” towards correcting a long-standing national oversight, but called on the President to consider upgrading the honour to Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) or at least Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
Frank Kokori, as General Secretary of NUPENG during the dark years of military dictatorship, played a pivotal role in the June 12, 1993 pro-democracy struggle by leading a nationwide oil workers’ strike that paralyzed the country’s economic backbone in protest against the annulment of the election won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
The bold move earned Kokori a brutal abduction and nearly four years in solitary confinement in Bama, Borno State. Despite immense hardship, pressure, and offers of government positions from the Abacha regime, Kokori remained unwavering in his commitment to democratic ideals.
The family emphasized that while they do not intend to diminish the contributions of other patriots, Kokori’s actions were “singular in their courage, consequence, and cost,” noting that he never compromised his principles, even when many others did.
They also recalled President Tinubu’s personal tribute to Kokori, referring to him as “a brother and comrade-in-struggle,” and expressed hope that the President would translate his admiration into a greater national recognition.
Beyond the call for an upgraded honour, the family also urged the Federal Government to name a national monument or institution after Frank Kokori, to ensure his legacy is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
“Though he did not receive these recognitions in his lifetime, it is never too late to do what is right,” the statement concluded. “We trust that President Tinubu, who also paid a steep price for democracy, will rise to the occasion and honour one of its most indispensable warriors.”
