African Political Refugee Elected to New Hampshire House

Richard Komi's campaign flyers were unique in that they listed 'refugee camp survivor' as part of the candidate's experience.

Richard Komi knows all about politics, he’s been involved in one way or another for the past 20 years.

In the early 90’s he joined an organization called the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People.

17:48...we tried to bring to the attention of the federal government the conditions of Ogoni and to let them know we had been politically marginalized.

Oil companies, including Shell, began drilling in southern Nigeria in the late 50’s.

The exploration brought in tens of billions of dollars to the company and hefty profits to the Nigerian government.

Komi says it also lead to environmental disasters.

2:34...bear in mind the principal occupation of the Ogoni people is farming and fishing. And when there is oil pollution it actually affects the people b/c it pollutes their creeks and their land.

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People held huge demonstrations that hindered the oil companies.

The federal government cracked down.

23:13 they burnt houses, they imprisoned people, they kidnapped people, they shot people at sight.

By Ogoni standards, Richard Komi had a good life.

A high school graduate, he had a clerical job at a bank.

Komi also had the responsibility to put his siblings through school.

But his work with the Ogoni People’s Movement had made him a government target.

28:41 I had to choose between dying, and leaving my job and leaving the country.

In February 1996, Komi and thousands of other Ogoni fled to neighboring Benin.

He spent the next three and a half years there.

29:29 it is an experience that I would not even wish on my enemy.

Komi says the challenge was to stay alive.

Every month the United Nations delivered food rations.

1:29 and this small portion would probably last you for one week.

1:39 so if your food expires in one week, how do you survive for the next three weeks? It was a very difficult three weeks.

Komi fell back on what he knew.

1:55...I went fishing.

Sometimes, Komi would catch enough shrimp, periwinkle or clams to sell at market.

Other times it was enough only for a meager meal.

4:59 I lost a lot of weight and...I don’t know if you would like to see some of the pictures that I have from when I was in the refugee camp....

The day Komi arrived in New Hampshire- September 13th, 1999- he says he weighed little more than 120 lbs.

5:36 these are the pictures that I took on the day that I was leaving the refugee camp. This is how I looked at the time....I would say I was lanky, that would be an understatement, I was gaunt...I look like someone who did not get enough sleep, even if I did.

A positive memory Komi has from that same time is when U.S. officials told the refugees they could become citizens within five years of their arrival.

11:30 and to hear that you could cast a vote, or could actually stand as a candidate and vote for you, that was something that was beyond our imagination. But that is what we were told.

No matter how emaciated, somewhere inside Komi must have smiled wide.

In that moment he realized his passion for politics could resume after his time in the camp.

Komi has wasted little time since he came to New Hampshire.

He has graduated from college, gotten married, started a family, found work at Easter Seals, become a citizen and bought a home.

This fall he found himself walking around his neighborhood- Manchester’s 5th Ward- carrying his sky blue campaign pamphlets, running for state rep.

2:23 the reception that I got from people was the same kidn of reception that I expected. There were people who were pleased to receive me into their homes. And shared with me, their concerns about the government. And there were other people who just shut the door in my face....I concluded this is exactly what democracy should be about.

Komi talks about how he feels he’s been given a second chance at life- and that he wants to show his gratitude by serving the public.

That all seems true.

But make no mistake, Komi knows how to play the game of politics, he’s a natural.

Listen to his answer when asked about the death penalty.

9:02 nobody should have the power to take another person’s life. So my position on the death penalty, whereas it is something we will debate, I would say, right now, if the issue were to come up, I would want to hear about the pros and the cons of the death penalty before I can cast a vote.

Komi just laughs when I chide him for his non-answer.

The newly minted Manchester Representative has already served as a delegate at the Democratic Convention in Denver.

Among pictures of his family, he’s got photos of himself with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama at the Unity, New Hampshire event this summer.

He says- without arrogance- he’s capable of great things.

Komi has no reservation saying he may seek higher office someday.

13:29 the sky is the limit... I believe if I have a good character, if I prove myself to the people I will be a better servant, they will give me the opportunity to run for a higher office.

Only in America.

For NHPR News, I’m DG.