Uche Okoro, Democracy Activist And Nigerian Oil Workers' Union Chief, Dead In Saturday's Port Harcourt Air Disaster

Uche Okoro, the powerful president of PENGASSAN, the Nigerian oil workers' union that is a potent force for change in that oil-rich but desperately poor country, is dead.

Okoro was among the victims of a devastating passenger jet crash Saturday that killed all but three of the 110 souls aboard, including all of a group of 75 children heading home from boarding school for the Christmas holidays. Two of the surviving victims are in critical but stable condition.

Okoro was leading a challenge against those who want Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to seek a third presidential term, which is prohibited by the nation's constitution. Obasanjo has repeatedly said he will not seek a third term.

PENGASSAN is a major force for change in local content rules, sure to be an issue as more foreign companies seek stakes in Nigeria's onshore and offshore riches.

Here is the Daily Independent account of Okoro's death:

Okoro, PENGASSAN President, A Victim in Sosoliso Plane Crash
12.12.2005

Labour again was thrown into grief yesterday as information filtered in that the vibrant and colourful President of Petroluen and Natural Gas Senior Staff of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, Uche Okoro, was among those who lost their lives in the Port Harcourt air disaster involving Sosoliso Airlines.

Okoro, who emerged as President about six months ago, was on his way to Port Harcourt to see his family after an official engagement in Abuja. Regarded as a grassroots activist, Okoro started his labour career with the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, where he became President.

Under his tenure, Okoro was at the forefront of the battle against the military, especially during Sani Abacha regime. He left NUPENG when he was promoted in his oil company to a senior staff cadre.

He was overwhelmingly elected as the President of PENGASSAN this year to set the enviable record of being the first unionist to lead two unions in the same industry.

Known to be very committed to democratic principles and values, a few days ago Okoro declared that he would mobilise the oil workers against the speculated third term agenda of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

At the press conference, which turned out to be his last, Okoro declared the agenda not only was a huge joke, but an ambition of few selfish politicians which would never materialise.

He was at the process of unifying the two unions, NUPENG and PENGASSAN, a measure which he declared will strenghten the negotiating capacity of the oil workers.