“I will live the life of a hero even in my death,” were some of the last words of late Chief Frank Kokori, before he went unconscious and eventually died, days later at a private hospital in Warri, Delta state, where he had been receiving treatment for over a month.
As news of the death of the erstwhile Secretary-General of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), swept through Nigeria, it is no doubt left shock waves in the political space, especially among witnesses to the era of the 1993 military junta.
Even at the point of death, Chief Kokori, not one to shy away from the truth, displayed how much of a “freedom fighter,” he is and how desperately he wished Nigeria well.
Recall that after his outcry of neglect and abandonment in the wake of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) industrial action, in November, right there, on his sick bed, he appealed to Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu, whom he recognized as one who had been part of the democratic struggle, “some time to rebuild the country.”
As he struggled with his last breaths early this week, he requested his senior Personal Assistant, Barry Atavwoda, to record him for the world to hear him one last time before his sojourn to the great beyond.
In the recording which was made available to this reporter, Kokori, in between breaths, expressed deep gratitude to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for showing love and concern during his stay at the hospital.
He described the governor as a “good man” and asked God to bless him.
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Kokori whose words were distorted at intervals, also sought government and NUPENG’s assistance for “four persons,” aside his children, due to their diligence in serving him.
Kokori’s words: “This is real… as I make my last testament. Heroes die the way people like us die, so I want to record this for the world to know that this man is not doing this thing for photo shopping.
“God will bless Sheriff, God will bless Nigeria.
“Heroes don’t die without fighting. I was born a hero and I will live the life of a hero even in my death. That’s why I’m still struggling to record all these.
“… because these four persons and my children have been wonderful. So God, if you want to take me. Let this my last sayings be made available to the world.
“You see, I struggle to talk because I’m a freedom fighter. And I don’t want a situation that after my death, my children would be struggling over monetary something, benefits… these four persons I mentioned, including all my children. That’s my testament again. I want cool something, cool air… Argh!”
Still panting for air, he forced out these words: “… a good man, a good man. He cherished my life (apparently referring to the Gov. Oborevwori).”
Though the recording did not capture the names, his aide, Atavwoda, however, disclosed the four persons he spoke about as himself (Barry), who is the senior aide; Chief’s second Personal Assistant, Tobore Ovumedia; his Housekeeper/chef, Akpesiri Idemudia and driver, Ovie.
Further explaining the circumstances surrounding the recording, the aide stated: “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 was such a good man. Oborevwori wasn’t as close to him as some people, but Oborevwori showed love, concern as a good man.
“He pleaded with Oborevwori to help four persons who were close to him, aside from the children. That 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.”
It can be agreed that his exit from this world was remarkable, considering he died on the day of his birth, December 7, at the ripe age of 80.
Meanwhile, the mood in Agbon Kingdom, especially the Ovu community where the elder statesman hailed from is sober, reflecting the departure of a great son.
According to feelers, since learning of his passage relatives and other community members have been trooping to the deceased country home to condole with the immediate family.
Although a condolence register has been opened, dignitaries are expected to start calling at the residence from the weekend when the children would be on the ground to receive them.
The Nation reports that one of the children, the third child of Chief Kokori, Efe, is already in town.
With tributes still pouring in, the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has been urged to immortalise the ex-labour leader for his role in returning Nigeria to democracy.
The founding leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, made the call in a statement commiserating with the family over the passage of the octogenarian.
Emerhor noted that the death of Chief Kokori is a great loss to Nigeria’s democracy considering his sacrifice against the then military junta to return the country to civilian government.
The statement partly read: “I am pained to receive the sad news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s active participants in the June 12 struggle. Papa Kokori sacrificed so much for the current democracy we are all enjoying. He fought at the detriment of his family and personal comfort for the return of civilian rule.
“Chief Kokori also made valuable contributions to the formation and growth of our party, All Progressives Congress (APC). For his likes, APC today has a strong footing in Delta State and other parts of Nigeria.
“His contributions to the development of our democracy will be well remembered. To this end, I appeal to our esteemed leader and President of our nation, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to immortalise him. Immortalising Chief Kokori is a way of commending him for his role in returning Nigeria to Democracy.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the King and people of Agbon Kingdom, and all lovers of democracy for the passage of our relentless fighter for a better Nigeria.”