By THE family of the late labour leader and pro-democracy hero, Comrade Frank Ovie Kokori, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to upgrade the national honour recently bestowed on him, arguing that it does not fully capture the magnitude of his sacrifice for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement signed by the patriarch’s son, Kive Kokori, the family thanked President Tinubu for posthumously conferring the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) title on their late patriarch.
Frank Kokori
However, they described the award as insufficient when weighed against Kokori’s extraordinary contributions during Nigeria’s darkest political period.
“We deeply appreciate the President’s resolve in ensuring that the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy are not forgotten,” the family stated.
“Yet, we humbly urge Mr President to consider a more befitting honour, such as the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) or at least Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), to reflect his unmatched role.”
Kokori, who was General Secretary of NUPENG during the military era, led a bold nationwide oil workers’ strike in protest against the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
His actions effectively shut down the country’s main revenue source, making him a top target of the regime.
He was abducted and subjected to nearly four years of imprisonment under harsh and solitary conditions in Bama, Borno State.
Despite repeated offers of power and wealth from the military government, Kokori refused to betray the democratic cause or compromise his principles.
“Many others accepted government appointments or changed sides, but he did not,” the family emphasised. “His story is not just one of bravery, but of uncommon moral fortitude.”
Referencing President Tinubu’s past statements calling Kokori a “brother and comrade-in-struggle,” the family urged the government to memorialise his legacy further by naming a national institution or monument in his honour.
They stressed that doing so would inspire future generations and send a strong message that integrity, sacrifice, and courage are still celebrated in Nigeria.
“It is never too late to do the right thing,” the statement added. “President Tinubu knows first-hand the price of fighting for democracy. We believe he will rise to the moment and ensure Comrade Kokori’s legacy is truly and permanently honoured.”
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