The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has announced the death of Johnbull Okhiria, a veteran unionist and former vice president of its dockworkers branch.

Mr Okhiria, popularly known as JB, died after a brief illness while receiving treatment at a Lagos hospital, according to a statement by John Ikemefuna, head of media, MWUN, on Friday.

Mr Ikemefuna said Mr Okhiria began his career in the union and rose through various positions, including unit chairman, district organising secretary and district chairman.

He said ‌⁠‍‍⁠⁠‌⁠‍‌‌‍⁠‌Mr Okhiria was later elected vice president of the dockworkers branch, where he served two four-year terms under the union’s president, Adewale Adeyanju.

Mr Ikemefuna said Mr Okhiria subsequently served as special adviser to the union’s president-general at the MWUN headquarters, which was his last appointment before his death.

The union described him as a committed dockworker and a dedicated unionist who made significant contributions to the development and unity of MWUN.

Mr Ikemefuna quoted president-general Francis Bunu as describing Mr Okhiria as respectful, disciplined and obedient, noting that his soft-spoken nature and sense of humour endeared him to many.

Mr Bunu described Mr Okhiria as a “rare gem” who was detribalised and dedicated to the union.

The union said Mr Okhiria hailed from Auchi in the Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo and had his early education in the state before moving to Lagos to pursue his trade union career.

It said he was married with children, and prayed for the repose of his soul and strength for the family he left behind.

 (NAN)