By Austin Ogwuda
DECADES ago in Nigeria when the former General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Chief Frank Ovie Kokori sneezed, it sent shivers especially in government circles be it Civilian or Military.
He is counted as a true labour leader who gave all at the risk of his own life.
This Reporter recalls with nostalgia the prominent and active role Kokori played in the heated battle for the actualization of June 12, 1993 presidential election during the dreaded military regime of late Sanni Abacha.
Kokori, now a Septuagenarian, a living legend is among the ilks of late Chief Michael Imoudu the acclaimed labour leader ‘Number One’ in Nigeria, due largely to his unprecedented labour activism and radical unionism.
But something strange and shocking happened very recently. He was hospitalized in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria over reported kidney related ailment.
Despite his condition, the die-hard labour leader, freedom fighter cried out when he came under excruciating heat.
His words, “Tell them that I can pay any amount, but let them switch on the AC (air-conditioning system) for me because I am dying. The AC went off. Please do your best. Flash it. I can come alive again.
“But I just want the world to know that if I survive, I will shame the leaders of this country.
“Shame to them. How can Kokori be in a third class hospital. The people are trying their best because I know it’s diesel issue. The AC is off. Two of my foster children are here with me. I’ve sent one to meet the hospital management that they should do everything that the AC is switched on, that when I’m out, I will pay. That I am dying. I have called on NUPENG that this is what they have done to their leader. That NUPENG could not even take care of me. It is sad”, he lamented.
Thanks to the power of social media ( credible ones) as the news trended, Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori immediately dashed there.
Not only visiting and waving hands, he sat on the same hospital bed with ailing Kokori having a tete a tete at Horeb Hospital.
The governor, during the visit instructed the hospital management to do whatever it takes to get the elder statesman back on his feet at the expense of the State government, noting that Chief Frank Ovie Kokori deserves the attention and support of the State Government as a renowned elder statesman who had paid his dues for good governance for the nation.
The Governor who also paid hospital bills for two other patients, Nnadi Silas and Adenusi Michael at the same hospital, said: “I know people will think that because he is an APC chieftain I won’t be here, Deltans voted for me as Governor. It is not a party matter now because we have finished election and all of us are one.
“Whether he is APC or not, am Governor for all Deltans, so am here as Governor for all, not for any party,” the governor was reported saying.
Responding, Chief Frank Kokori commended Governor Oborevwori for behaving like the Yorubas who treat their elder statesmen well irrespective of their party or political leanings.
“I never knew Governor Oborevwori is a good man because immediately he heard about my condition, he came to see me.
“He wasn’t close to me, it is Great Ogboru and Ovie Omo-Agege and co that are close to me so am so happy that he is not a mean fellow.
“He is a real Governor, a man who has such a heart is a good man and I have told him certain things privately how he will make his name in the history of Nigeria.
“I have told him to do certain essential things for the people. I am happy with him and have also prayed for him,” he said.
Now the question is why should NUPENG he called out abandon him in the first place even when they were informed.
That cannot be swept under the carpet. There is Right of Reply or tendering of apology for the neglect as the case may be.
It is unfortunate that senior citizens after retirement are denied prompt payment of their entitlements and pensions.
The matter is made worse here in Nigeria where social security provisions are not taken seriously like in other climes.
The Town Hall Media will like to thank Mr Governor for the quick intervention and for the thought-provoking statement he dropped about drawing the line between partisan politics and governance.
If everyone listening can learn one or two lessons from here, lest we stop playing the game of politics destructively.