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Kokori struggled for humanity — NUPENG

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has described its former General Secretary, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, as a committed and dedicated defender, promoter and fighter for workers’ rights and the democratic rights of the citizens.

The late Kokori died in the early hours of Thursday in Warri, Delta State.

In a joint condolence message signed by Comrades Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, President and General Secretary of the NUPENG, the union declared that the late unionist “spent a life of sacrifice to the struggles for the emancipation of the working class globally and enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria.”

The NUPENG which recalled the selfless role played by Kokori in the restoration of democracy in Nigeria during the regime of late military dictator, General Sani Abacha, maintained that it was comforted by the fact that Kokori in his lifetime was a beacon of democratic struggles in Nigeria, and he remained an advocate of democracy throughout his life.

The statement reads in part: “The Leadership of our great Union on behalf of the entire members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), wishes to announce the news of the passing to the eternal resting abode of our former distinguished General Secretary, Comrade Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday 7th December 2023.

“Late Comrade Frank Ovie Kokori was a well-known, committed and dedicated defender, promoter and fighter for workers’ rights and democratic rights of the citizens.

“He spent a life of ‘sacrifice’ to struggle for the emancipation of the working class globally and the enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria.

“He spent years in prisons and severely brutalised in his struggles for not only the trade unions but in it the struggles against military rule in Nigeria.

“His later years were spent nursing some of the vicious wounds inflicted on him in the course of those struggles yet like a great Warrior he was, he still lived up to good age before he eventually surrendered to go home for a peaceful rest after those struggles for humanity.

“We love Comrade Frank Ovie Kokori but we as humans, have to take consolation in the great and wonderful memories he left behind for us to cherish and celebrate.

“We write to express our deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and loved ones of the late elder statesman.

“While the entire NUPENG family mourns the loss of a great labour icon, we also celebrate his remarkable life where he contributed to our collective struggles for the emancipation of the working people for the greater good of all and sundry.

“Late Frank Ovie Kokori was also a beacon of democratic struggles in Nigeria, and he remained an advocate of democracy throughout his life.

“We take solace in the knowledge that Chief Frank Kokori has gone to be with his Maker and he is surely resting in the bosom of the Almighty God. May the soul of Chief Frank Kokori rest in peace.”

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