MWUN loses ‘Never-Give-Up’ Vice-President Emeritus Comrade, Johnbull Okhiria

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has lost one of its veteran unionists and Vice-President Emeritus, Comrade Johnbull Okhiria, who died after a brief illness at a Lagos hospital.

Okhiria, fondly known as “JB” by colleagues, subordinates, superiors and admirers, was remembered as a “never-give-up” unionist whose decades of commitment to the labour movement left an enduring mark on the Maritime Workers’ Union.

His remains have been deposited in a Lagos mortuary.

In a release by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna Head of Media MWUN, Okhiria built his career entirely within the union, rising through its ranks from Unit Chairman to District Organising Secretary and later District Chairman before his election as Vice-President of the Dockworkers Branch.

He served two four-year terms as Vice-President under the leadership of former President-General, Comrade (Prince) Dr Adewale Adeyanju.

Following his tenure in the Dockworkers Branch, Okhiria was appointed Special Adviser to the Union’s President-General at the MWUN headquarters, which became the last position he held before his death.

Throughout his union career, Okhiria was regarded as a rugged dockworker and a committed participant in the struggles and negotiations that shaped the union.

The union described him as a “never-give-up” comrade who consistently gave his best towards achieving desired outcomes and promoting sanity, unity and stability within the organisation.

His contributions, according to the union, formed part of the efforts that helped produce the peace and tranquillity currently being enjoyed by MWUN.

Reacting to his death, MWUN President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, described the deceased as a unionist who was deeply committed to his responsibilities and the ideals of the organisation.

Bunu said Okhiria was respectful, obedient, disciplined and calculative, adding that his sense of humour and soft-spoken nature were among the qualities that endeared him to him.

He also described Okhiria as a “jolly good fellow” who was devoid of tribalism and a rare gem whose presence would be missed by the union.

The President-General said Okhiria’s death was a painful reminder of the transient nature of life, noting that only God determines the last day of every human being.

He urged members to continue doing their best in service to humanity while recognising God as the ultimate judge and owner of human life.

The death of Okhiria has also drawn expressions of grief from executives and members of MWUN, who said they had wished he survived the illness.

For the union, his death marks the loss of a veteran whose years of service were closely tied to the growth and development of the organisation.

Okhiria hailed from Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. He had his elementary and secondary education in Edo State before relocating to Lagos, where he began and pursued his career in trade unionism.

He was married and blessed with children.

MWUN prayed for the repose of his soul and for God to grant his family the strength to bear the loss.