President Bola Tinubu on Thursday mourned the passage of Frank Kokori, former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, described Kokori as a foremost figure in the June 12 struggle.
The President condoled with his family, the civil society, the government, and the people of Delta state over the loss.
Tinubu described the former labour leader as a man of conscience; highly principled, courageous, and true.
“Frank Kokori was a thoroughbred democrat and activist. He fought for democracy at a great personal cost.
”He surrendered his liberty to fight for truth and justice. He was the finest among reformers and champions of civil rights in Nigeria.
“He was a brother in the June 12 struggle. He was uncompromising, unbending, and irrepressible. He was an exemplary comrade,” the President stated.
Tinubu, while praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased, encouraged those he left behind to take comfort in his peerless legacy.
Similarly, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta expressed sadness over the demise of elder statesman and erstwhile General Secretary of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers of Nigeria (NUPENG), Chief Frank Ovie Kokori.
The governor in condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon in Asaba, said the nation had lost a great labour icon.
Kokori, a renowned Labour Leader, who hailed from Ovu in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta, died in the early hours of Thursday, coincidentally on his 80th birth anniversary.
As a pro-democracy activist, he headlined and epitomised the national struggle for the revalidation of the historic June 12 1993 presidential election under the Abacha regime.
A month ago, Kokori was reported to have fallen ill and was immediately visited at hospital by Governor Oborevwori.
Oborevwori commiserated with the Kokori’s family, the people of Ovu community in particular and the Urhobo nation over the passing of the fiery labour leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He described Kokori’s passing as a “monumental loss” not just to NUPENG, people of Delta, and Nigerians, but to the entire world, adding that he fought gallantly for the people.
According to the governor, the deceased was a well respected elder statesman, an illustrious Deltan.
Oborevwori recalled his visit to late Kokori on his sick bed in Warri, saying, “I have just received with shock, news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s greatest statesmen, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, a Deltan of unparalleled patriotism.
“I am saddened that at a time like this when his patriotic zeal is needed in our dear nation, Nigeria, death came calling.
“I will forever cherish our last moments together when l visited him in the hospital. He was ebullient and was in very high spirit despite his ailment. He fought a good fight.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to the family, the Urhobo nation, NUPENG, APC, Deltans and Ovu community in particular over the passing of the renowned elder statesman and labour icon”.
The governor added, “as a bastion of inspiration, labour icon and a man of great political depth and insight as well as a leader of leaders, he contributed immensely to the development of our state and country throughout his lifetime.
“As a government, we were committed to ensuring that the now late elder statesman got back to his feet but, unfortunately, against the grain of our expectation, he couldn’t make it back from the hospital.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I mourn the exit of a great elder statesman, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, whose contributions to the June 12 struggle and Nigeria’s democracy remain an inspiration to many.
“As the nation mourns him, I enjoin the Kokori family, friends and associates to honour his memory by continually upholding the values and principles which he lived for and never stopped fighting for till his death”.
“My government will be fully active in giving this patriot a befitting funeral. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this critical time. May his gentle soul rest in peace,” he said.
