Akinlaja Hails Tinubu For Honoring Kokori, Others

The former Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Hon. (Comrade) Joseph Iranola Akinlaja has joined other well meaning Nigerians to commemorate the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria since 1999, noting that President Bola Tinubu was on point to have honoured the heros and heroines of democracy, including late Chief Frank Ovie Kokori whom he (Akinlaja) was his deputy in the patriotic June 12 struggle.
Akinlaja who is also the former General Secretary of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in a statement on Thursday, June 12, 2025, added that people in authority should build institutions of governance to allow democracy thrive in the country for the benefit of the coming generation.
The labour leader also enjoined Nigerians to nurture and protect the country’s democracy by participating in governance at the local, state and federal levels and as well show patriotism to their fatherland.
He said one of the cardinal principles of democracy is openness and transparency. “Therefore, those in authority must be open and transparent in the conduct of their activities at all times, Akinlaja added.”
He said although the country is having challenges in its march towards nationhood, the citizens should not be discouraged to roll out the drums and celebrate the 26 years of uninterrupted constitutional democracy.
The Ondo-born politician and businessman maintained that the devastating effect of military rule and how past dictatorships had stunted the growth of the country and hampered the freedom of choice of Nigerians should not be forgotten in a hurry.
Akinlaja who succeeded Kokori in office as General Secretary of NUPENG also called for transparency and accountability at all levels of government in his message to commemorate 2025 Democracy Day, stressing that the auspicious day symbolises Nigerians collective commitment to democracy, freedom, and justice.
“I totally commend President Bola Tinubu on Thursday for paying tribute to Nigeria’s democratic icons and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to multi-party democracy and dismissing claims of a plot to establish a one-party state.
“His appearance on Thursday while addressing a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja when he saluted the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, describing him as the symbol of Nigeria’s democracy was very well thought out.
“By extending national honours to other pro-democracy figures including Abiola’s wife, Kudirat; my boss former General Secretary of NUPENG, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, Alfred Rewane; Anthony Enahoro; and Pa Abraham Adesanya, among others, for their sacrifices in the struggle for democracy is not only welcomed but ended up etching President Tinubu’s name in gold.
“Mr. President’s action is a testament to the fact that the legacy of the 1993 electoral process uniquely stands out as a reminder of our nation’s enduring democratic spirit. I also appeal to all lovers of democracy in Nigeria to promote peaceful co-existence, national cohesion and engender mutual respect for the greater good and prosperity of our nation,” he said.
While continuing to explore the virtues of Frank Kokori in the enthronement of democracy, Akinlaja described him as his “mentor and guide” and recalled his ordeal in prison under the Abacha junta.
“When Frank Kokori was in solitary confinement in Bama prisons for his struggle for the restoration of the June 12 mandate over three decades ago, I personally stood for him in various capacities, fighting for his freedom and interest in the face of intimidation and victimization.
“However, this is to also say that no matter how long injustice lasts, at the end of the day, goodness and truth will triumph. That is what has happened to my late principal today in Nigeria. The significance for Nigerians is that it tells us that when you struggle for your country, such struggles are never in vain. Many have mocked us that we have been forgotten, they say those who never struggled for democracy are the ones enjoying our democracy, but today Mr. President has changed the narrative.
“Meanwhile, I am also using this opportunity to appeal to the President to remember those who are still alive that significantly contributed to the survival of our democracy despite the brute force of the military boots and gun barrel. Once again I must reiterate that Chief Kokori deserved this posthumous national honour and truly he is one of the heroes and the arrowhead of the June 12 struggle. May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace.”