Have you ever spoken with a dead man? I guess you haven’t. But today, I invite you to share in my extraordinary experience—a 40-minute dialogue with Engr. Koko Bassey a man whose spirit still resonates deeply within the hearts of many. He passed away just a few months ago, and today, Saturday, December 21, 2024, we lay him to rest.
It was around 4:00am this morning when my phone rang. To my astonishment, it was Engr. Koko Bassey calling. I took the call, and the conversation began—a surreal moment that felt both haunting and comforting. What followed was an 85-minute exchange that traversed the realms of grief, pride, and hope, as we delved into the pressing issues that burdened the Oro people.
While Koko was speaking to me, I noticed that though he is gone away from us, his voice still remains unique. So fresh and sound, he spoke in his characteristic nuances, teasing me and keeping me on track. I was thinking that once a man is gone, everything about him leaves with him. But my dialogue with Engr Koko Bassey proves otherwise. How do you feel knowing that the man speaking with you is dead. How do you cope knowing he left without a word and yet still speaks with you as though nothing has happened. Like the solitary reaper in the forest, Koko’s voices sounds fresh in my ears. It sinks deep into my soul and keeps ringing by.
Studies have shown that the human voice is a complex biological phenomenon that is shaped by a combination of physical and anatomical factors. At its core, the voice is produced by the vibration of the vocal cords which are located in the larynx. This vibration creates a basic “voiced sound” that is frequently described as a “buzzy” sound. However, it is the unique shape and size of an individual’s vocal cords, determined by a number of other physiological variations: the physical characteristics of their throat, nose, and mouth, that ultimately influence the distinct quality of their voice.
Of course the voice has several key attributes, including frequency, harmonic structure, and intensity, which are all influenced by the size and shape of the larynx, neck, throat, and facial structures. These physical characteristics, which are determined by genetics, play a crucial role in shaping the unique qualities of an individual’s voice. Also, the voice may be influenced by five biological parameters, including overall deviation, degree of roughness, breathiness, asthenicity, and strain. These parameters are evaluated using a four-point likert scale, which provides a standardized framework for assessing the unique characteristics of an individual’s voice.
The end result of the complex interplay between vocal cord vibration, resonance, and articulation is the “spoken word,” which is a unique and personal form of communication. The resonating chamber of the throat, nose, and mouth acts to modify the basic “voiced sound” produced by the vocal cords, creating a rich and nuanced sound that is distinct to each individual. Whether speaking or singing, the human voice is a remarkable instrument that is capable of conveying a wide range of emotions and ideas, making it an essential part of human communication and expression. Koko may be gone away from us, but it seems nature is yet to take these things away, judging from the exact tone of his voice this morning.
As we spoke, a wave of mixed emotions washed over me. There was excitement in his voice, a spark of the indomitable spirit that characterized his life. Yet, grief loomed larger, a reminder of the void his absence has created. We discussed the struggle for the Maritime University, a beacon of hope for our community that some privileged individuals sought to sabotage. I heard his passionate arguments echoing in my mind, his unwavering belief that education and opportunity should be accessible to all.
“We have forcefully taken Oro out of their hands”, he said to me, and reminded me of a short demonstration we contemplated and executed in the past. The exercise took place one evening, along Urue Aba axis of Ebughu Road in Eyo Abasi, Oron LGA. We had earlier gathered somewhere in Ewet Housing in Uyo, after he landed from Warri, Delta State. The matter was of urgent community importance. After some moments of deep reflection, we jumped into a waiting vehicle. Straight and soon, we arrived Oron. The deal was done and dusted, and yours truly compiled the report and syndicated in three national dailies. Captain Effiong Eyo will definitely relate.
As the dialogue progressed, we touched on the Oron Union, the very fabric of our community, and the human foibles that threatened its unity. Engr. Koko was a man who understood the importance of solidarity; he knew that division only served to weaken us. His voice, though distant, carried the weight of wisdom as he lamented the politics that had eroded the foundation of friendship and brotherhood in the Oro kingdom.
“How did we let it come to this?” he asked, his tone a mix of disappointment and determination. We spoke of those who gained access to our common wealth, only to use it to buy the loyalty of ranters and chorus singers, drowning out the voices of truth and integrity. In that moment, I could feel his frustration, his longing for a leadership that would prioritize the community over personal gain.
Yet, amid the sorrow, we found solace in the blessings that God has bestowed upon our land. Engr. Koko was unwavering in his belief that hope should never be extinguished. “Being hopeless cannot foreclose the fortune that God still holds for Oro,” he reminded me. His words moulded like a balm for my aching heart. He was a man of faith, convinced that treasures lay solidly beneath our feet, waiting for the right hands to uncover them.
As the immediate past President of the Oron Union Warri Branch, he took his time to share his gains and losses, his triumphs and trials. He was a patriot who worked tirelessly for the betterment of our community. He would often sacrifice his own comfort for a collective good. His dedication was palpable, a testament to a life lived with purpose and passion.
In those 85 minutes, I felt as though I was conversing with a part of myself—a part that yearns for justice, unity, and progress. Engr. Koko Bassey was not just a leader; he was a beacon of hope, a reminder that our struggles are not in vain. His legacy is one of resilience, a call to action for all of us to rise above the challenges that confront our community.
Then from the surreal of coaxial transition, my two eyes opened to the reality of time. My eyes opened to the reality of his departure. My legs wobbled and my veins flattened. It was exactly 5:25am. Then something sharp happened to my brain. It took me two years back to December 16, 2022. It was a cool and breezy Friday night. I was lain on my bed around 11:48pm when his call came. We spoke for exactly 85 minutes, like we did this morning. I had greatly been inspired by that conversation that I cut out 40 minutes of the whole recording for some journalistic analysis. Indeed the recording, saved on my very old device, served a pleasant purpose. But being triggered by his call again today, left me thinking until I went exhuming the material. I had to play the recording once again. As usual, his shrilling voice percolated into my soul. I was convinced that Koko has met Abraham and Elijah.
As I reflect on our conversation, I am filled with a profound sense of pride in his life and work. Yet, the grief of his passing weighs heavily on my heart. We have lost a champion, a visionary, and a friend. But as we gather today to honour his memory, let us also celebrate the indelible mark he has left on our lives.
Engr. Koko Bassey may have departed from this world, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched. Let us carry forward his vision for a united Oro, one that embraces the blessings of our land and works tirelessly for the betterment of our people.
I don’t think I ever met Koko in person, but I met his activities on several Ọrọ online platforms. He came across as one who loved his people. Would I that his legacies would outlive him.
Turning the page now, perhaps the living who still need to connect with Koko should consult this author to be able to do so. I hope connectivity fee would be affordable.
Adieu, brother Koko B.