Elder statesman and foremost unionist Chief Frank Kokori shared his last testament before lapsing into a coma in his hospital bed on Thursday, December 7, 2023, as gathered by our correspondent.
The former general secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) passed away on his 80th birthday after being bedridden and hospitalized at a clinic in Warri from November 6, 2023.
Disclosing his last testament in a recorded video, as instructed by the octogenarian, Mr Barry Oke Atavwada, one of his aides, said he reiterated his mission on earth, that he was born a hero, lived as one, and died as one.
In the video footage made available to our correspondent, Chief Kokori mumbled, though unclearly, “I want to record this for the world to know that I am not doing this for photoshopping. God bless Nigeria, God bless my people. I was born a hero, I have lived the life of a hero. Even in my death, that’s why I’m struggling to record all this.”
The Ovu-born fiery unionist, in his usual elements of fighting for the well-being of the downtrodden in the video, apparently appealed to the Governor of Delta State and NUPENG to render help to his four domestic staff who have been working for him for a long time.
“These four persons (Barry Oke Atavwada, Tobore Monday Ovumedia; the chef, Akpesiri Idemudia, and his driver, Ovie) and my children have been wonderful. This is my last saying made available to the world. I want to take a break. I struggle to talk, and because I’m a freedom fighter, I don’t want a situation where my children will be struggling over monetary things after my death. That’s my testament again. I want cool something, cool air… Argh!” he muttered.
Kokori further said in the video that his domestic staff mentioned above served him diligently and pleaded with the Oborevwori and NUPENG to help them.
Chief Kokori gave thanks to the Governor of Delta State for his kind gesture when he was on the hospital bed, adding that he never knew Sheriff was a good man, although they were not close.
Amid gasps for breath, he averred: “… a good man, a good man….he cherished my life” (apparently referring to Governor Oborevwori) before lapsing into a coma on Sunday, according to Mr Atavwada.
Confirming the testament in a chat with our correspondent on Friday, Mr Atavwada, who further explained the circumstances surrounding the recording to our correspondent, said: “During the last breaths of Chief Frank Kokori, who was my boss, he directed me to record his last testament, even while he was struggling to survive, he used his last breath.
“And he mentioned Oborevwori, the governor of Delta State. He appreciated him for showing concern during his stay in the hospital. That he never knew Oborevwori is such a good man. Oborevwori wasn’t as close to him as some people, but Oborevwori showed love and concern as a good man.
“He pleaded with Oborevwori to help four persons who were close to him, aside from the children. The four persons had served him diligently: one, his senior personal assistant, Oke Atavwoda; two, Tobore Ovumedia, his second P.A; three, the chef/housekeeper, Akpesiri Idemudia, and four, his driver, Ovie. That even in death, he appreciates what these persons have done for him.
“And he pleaded that the government and NUPENG should look towards these persons mentioned. That was his last testament. It was on record, and he asked me to record him.”