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By Bimbola Oyesola
The news of your passage came to me and my colleagues at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as a rude shock in Birnin Kebbi early Sunday morning of 23rd October, 2022. We had left Abuja that weekend to attend organ meetings of the congress and also hold a solidarity rally in support of Dr. Nasir Idris, the APC gubernatorial candidate, who until recently was the deputy president of the NLC.
The news of your sudden demise came to us like a flashlight throwing the congregation into a mourning mood. Who does not know Akpan, the rare breed unionist who embodies the virtues of a true Comrade in all ramifications, loving, compassionate and caring? Akpan was subtle but firm on principles and he exemplified time-tested values of solidarity.
A staff of the NLC for nearly four decades, he served directly with Hassan Sumonu, Ali Chiroma, Pascal Bafyau, Adams Oshiomhole (mni), AbdulWaheed Omar (mni) and the current president of congress, Ayuba Wabba (mni). His sudden exit has robbed the NLC of a rich vein of institutional oral history.
While alive, Akpan carried the respect of all categories of unionists—the elected, the appointed, the senior, the junior, serving and retired. Our associates and social partners who are regular visitors to the office of the President, where Akpan had served all, bear witness to his diligence and friendliness.
Akpan carried himself with utmost dignity and calm befitting of the office of the President, no wonder, he was referred to as Acting President, Presido, Ette-ubom, Nigerian Worker. He attended to visitors and officials with an uncommon warmth and affection, often willing to go the extra mile to ensure that visitors feel relax and comfortable when they come around. He connected well with the old and young unionists and friends of the union. He was certainly one of our very best.
For me personally, Akpan’s death is a personal loss, his subtle activism connects with me profoundly. He also has a good link with the textile union, the primary union of the former NLC President, Adams Oshiomhole under whose leadership I also had a robust trade union career. Akpan was fond of A.B. Dania retired DGS of textile union who also served as NLC representative at Industrial Arbitration Panel, late Emmanuel Amadi and others. He has a way of keeping the link with them and the survivors of those who are late. Sometimes ago, he brought to me Ms Bidemi Amadi, (daughter of Emmanuel Amadi my Oga and good friend), who works with Trustfund Pensions and asked, “Comrade, do you know her?” to which I responded in the affirmative. Akpan was just happy to connect people. He was just simply phenomenal in relating with people.
A typical day for me in the office is not complete without his usual gentle knock and visits, “Nigerian worker day salute you”, he would often greet, enquiring also about my family members. I just recently, returned from my annual vacation. At few days interval, Akpan will put a call through and enquire, “Comrade how are you and my people”.
Akpan Dan has a special comradely culture of solidarity, checking on NLC staff in general and putting a call through when he observes you are not on duty, Akpan was a true Comrade who – demonstrated love and solidarity.
It was a day of tribute on Tuesday 1st November, 2022 at the Gwagwalada Quarters of the NLC as Comrades and friends paid their tributes. The General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja mni extolled the virtues of Akpan as a neat, calm and diligent Comrade. The President of AUPCTRE and NUPSSRAW described him as reliable and highly detribalised. The staff union Chairman, James Eustace who broke the news of Akpan’s demise to Adams Oshiomhole recalled the former NLC President describing him as being very loyal. I bear witness to his loyalty to the movement. Akpan Dan was said to have saved the life of the then President of the NLC, Pascal Bafyau during the violent protest on the June 12 elections in June1993. For his courageous act, Akpan Dan received a letter of Commendation signed by the then Acting President of Congress Frank Oramulu.
He was loved by all and described by the people who knew him as epitome of love, care and hospitality.
Akpan Dan body left Abuja on Thursday 3rd November, 2022 and buried on Friday 4th November, at his compound in Nmidim, Abak LGA, Akwa Ibom State. May almighty God bless his soul and comfort his family
Adieu Comrade!!!
