Kokori will be remembered for being part of democracy struggle – Gani Adams

Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land,
Iba Gani Adams has described the death of foremost chieftain of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Dr. Frank Kokori, as a great loss to Nigerians, saying the late activist would be remembered for his struggle for
the enthronement of Nigeria’s democracy.

Kokori, erstwhile General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), aged 80, passed away at a private hospital in Warri, Delta State, early on Thursday, December 7, 2023, which is coincidentally his birthday.

Aare Adams’ tribute to the Kokori was contained in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Kehinde Aderemi, and made available to newsmen in Lagos, describing the deceased as one of the leading advocates of this current democracy being enjoyed in the country.

Adams stated that the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) under his leadership was one of the beneficiaries of the NADECO struggle and further described the late Frank Kokori as a strong voice whose conviction in true democratic rule was next to none.

“He believed in the struggle for democracy. He lived all his life as a person who was always ready for the emancipation of the masses of people.

“When many of his colleagues were struggling for political positions, he didn’t bother; rather, he concentrated on his avowed commitment to a democratic government that caters to the needs of the majority of the people.

“The late erstwhile General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) was the champion of democracy, and he was reputed to be one of the leading advocates of this democracy,” Iba Adams said.

“He led NUPENG and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in organising nationwide strikes that crippled the oil industry.

“He was a strong voice, and his struggle for the validation of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Moshood Olawale Abiola was noteworthy.

“The late Kokori was a veteran, a labour leader whose contributions to the democratic growth of the country were not contestable, and in spite of his contributions, he never benefited from the struggle.

“As one of the young activists in the early 90s, we knew those who really participated in the struggle for this democracy. And the late Kokori was one of them. He was at the forefront of the struggle,” he added.

Speaking on the role played by the late NADECO chieftain in the June 12 struggle, the Yoruba generalissimo said Kokori participated in many of the rallies and demonstrations, calling for the enthronement of democracy and the recognition of Abiola’s victory.

According to him, the late foremost activist Kokori also played a pivotal role in building alliances with other pro-democracy groups and socio-cultural groups like the OPC and even individuals, saying that his courage and large-heartedness fostered unity and a common front against the military regime, notwithstanding the series of persecutions he went through at the hands of the then military junta.

“He participated in many of the rallies and demonstrations, calling for the enthronement of democracy and the recognition of Abiola’s victory.

“The late Kokori also played a pivotal role in building alliances with other pro-democracy groups, socio-cultural groups like the OPC, and even individuals.

“His courage and large-heartedness fostered unity and a common front against the military regime. He was arrested, tortured, and detained for standing firm for the enthronement of democracy. Despite the pain and the injustice meted out to him, he
was not deterred by the unjust
detention,” Adams stated.

“Until lately, he was always our guest at the annual June 12 programme organised by the OPC. And that singular commitment to the struggle has been a reference point to date. The late Kokori would be remembered for standing firm for those worthy ideals,” he added.

Iba Adams, however, prayed to God to give the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

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