Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed deep 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.
Kokori, a renowned labour leader who hails from Ovu in the Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, 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 cried out for help, which attracted the immediate humanitarian response of Governor Oborevwori.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, Oborevwori commiserated with the family, the people of the Ovu community in Ethiope East Local Government Area 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, Deltans, and Nigerians but to the entire world, adding that he fought gallantly for the people.
According to him, the deceased was a well-respected elder statesman and an illustrious Deltan, and he recalled his visit to him on his sick bed in Warri.
Governor Oborevwori said: “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 I visited him in the hospital. He was ebullient and in very high spirits 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.
“As a bastion of inspiration, a 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 the now-late elder statesman got back to his feet, but, unfortunately, against the grain of our expectations, 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 Kokori’s family, friends, and associates to honour his memory by continually upholding the values and principles that 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. ”
Similarly, the governorship candidate on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the March 18th election in Delta State, Chief Kenneth Gbagi, has also expressed sadness over the news of the passing of former General Secretary, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori.
He said the octogenarian died at a time when Nigeria, Delta, and the Urhobo nation needed him most, particularly at a time when “we are supposed to mark his birth anniversary,” Gbagi lamented.
Chief Kokori and other individuals played key roles in the quest to re-validate the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was annulled by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Orusi Kenneth, on Thursday, December 7th, 2023, to his family and Deltans, particularly the Urhobo nation, Gbagi, a former Minister of State for Education, described him as an elder statesman, well-loved for his sincerity and sense of purpose.
The SDP flag bearer further stated that, as a leader, Chief Kokori was well respected because of the enormous goodwill he brought to the state and the country as a NUPENG Scribe.
“He was a compassionate and determined administrator, a peacemaker, and a bridge builder who stepped in and led a section of the oil sector at a very difficult time in the history of the country.
“He left enduring legacies, part of which was his considerable effort towards mainstreaming the oil sector in the development drive of the nation.
“He will be remembered for his great wisdom, peaceful disposition, and the goodwill he extended to all, as well as his significant contributions to the growth of the nation’s economy.
“On behalf of my family and the SDP, I sincerely share in your moment of grief and pray God to grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
It would be recallable that Chief Kokori made a distress call from his hospital bed over his health status on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
He lamented that he had been neglected and abandoned to die, despite his huge contributions to the democratic growth of the country.
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