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  • Kokori, a true champion of workers, says NUPENG

    Kokori, a true champion of workers, says NUPENG

    The late former General Secretary, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Comrade Frank Kolori, has been described as a true champion of workers, who led by example.

      In his tribute last weekend at the funeral service for the late labour leader at St James Anglican Church, Oviorie-Ovu, Ethiope East Local Government, Delta State, the National President of NUPENG, Comrade Williams Akporeha, described Kokori as a force, whose dedication to the struggles of the workers, was unmatched, and the pursuit of justice defined his tenure.

    His words: “He fearlessly took on the giants of the industry, proving that the rights of the workers should never be trampled upon. His unwavering valour and his ability to mobilise our workers with his fiery oratory inspired a generation of unionists and gave voice to the voiceless.

     “Through his insightful leadership, Comrade Kokori led the transformation of NUPENG into an organisation that represented the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian oil and gas workers.

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       “Under his stewardship, NUPENG became a powerhouse, fighting to secure and protect the rights and welfare of workers across the sector. He was a visionary, always at the forefront of advocating fair labour practices and policies that would uplift the lives of every worker in our industry.A great leader and comrade of no ill repute.”

     Akporeha said Kokori was not only a unionist, but also a democrat, an activist, and a patriot. He said he was one of the key figures in the June 12 struggle, which marked a turning point in the nation’s history.

     “He stood up against tyranny, injustice, and oppression, and paid a heavy price for his principles. He endured years of detention, torture, and harassment, but never gave up his hope for a better Nigeria. He inspired us all with his resilience, his optimism, and his faith,” he added.

      Akporeha urged the government to immortalise Kokori by naming a national monument in his memory, adding that it would not be too much to even accord him a post-humous national award.

  • Kokori, foremost nationalist, selfless leader, Tinubu says

    Kokori, foremost nationalist, selfless leader, Tinubu says

    • Former NUPENG boss laid to rest

    President Bola Tinubu has described former Secretary-General of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG), Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, as the foremost nationalist Nigeria has ever produced.

    The President made the declaration at the funeral service of the octogenarian, which was held Friday, at St James’ Anglican Church, Oviorie-Ovu in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

    This is just as labour leaders and indigenes of Ovu, the country home of Chief Kokori, urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late NUPENG scribe.

    Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said Kokori was a man of uncommon courage, who put the country as his utmost interest.

    Apologizing to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Deltans, particularly the Kokoris for his absence, Tinubu, through Lokpobiri said he would have loved to be present but due to state engagements, he could not attend.

    “He told me that Kokori was his comrade when they were fighting for democracy and he would have loved to attend the burial and that is why I’m here representing the President.

    “He told me that Kokori is the most foremost nationalist Nigeria has ever produced and that he is a man of uncommon courage.

    “He is a selfless leader who put the interest of Nigeria above his own interest. He also said Kokori is a man of proven integrity and a democrat who fought against the dreaded military regime for democracy to be restored in Nigeria.

    “He said while some leaders were afraid and ran away, Kokori stood there. He was the voice of the voiceless people, the voice of the less privileged people.

    “These are words of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has a close relationship with Chief Sir Kokori.

    “But like it is said in the Bible, there is a day to be born and also a day to die. Everybody will die. But the important thing in life is what legacies have you left behind?

    “In life, it is not when you die that matters, it is what legacies you have left behind that matters. Kokori has left indelible marks in the history of this country and what is left with the children is to carry on with the baton.

    “Kokori has done his own for the children to leverage on the outstanding legacies of your father to continue to render services to humanity.

    “I want all of us to stop mourning and celebrate his exit to be with the Lord forever. Let me conclude by saying that Kokori’s death is not the death that will be painful to only Delta people.

    “He was more Nigerian before Deltan. His death is painful to all of us in the country and whatever we can do to continue from where he stopped is what all of us will do.

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    “Having said that, your Excellency, let me once again condole you over the death of this icon and also to thank you for the good work you are doing in Delta State,” the president said.

    Earlier at the church service, Bishop of Warri Diocese, Rt. Rev. Christian Esezi Ide, in his homily tagged, ‘Hope,’ drawn from 1 Thesalonians 4:13-18, described the passing of Kokori as a vacuum that can hardly be filled.

    The cleric said the presence of Governor Oborevwori, a PDP governor, who was sitting side by side with Chief Ede Dafinone, Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is a message that politicians should be one in Christ.

    “We have political enemies not biological enemies. We are one in Christ. We should learn this,” Bishop Ide charged, while urging Christians to have hope in God to overcome their lives’ challenges.

    Comrade Joseph Akinlaja, who was Chief Kokori’s deputy as General Secretary of NUPENG and president of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha, called on President Tinubu to immortalise the late foremost unionist with national honours.

    On his part, former deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, who was represented by third vice president general of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Chief Ominimini Obiuwevbi, urged Nigerians to imbibe the nationalistic spirit of the late labour leader.

  • “Frank Kokori is here!!”

    “Frank Kokori is here!!”

    To know where a nation is headed in the comity of great assemblies of humanity, look no further than how such a nation treats it authentic heroes while alive. According to Louis Althusser, only the production of new heroes keeps old heroes alive.

      The problem is that in fractured and fractious colonial nations where even the issue of a federal identity remains prone to fierce intellectual contestations, the notion of who is an authentic federal  hero keeps rearing its head. One can understand such a dispute among the polarized elite formations in the country. Just begin to rhapsodize about the virtues of the late Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu or Eman Ifeajuna in certain circles and you will be told to shove it down wherever it was coming from.

      What is strange and intriguing is the fact that as a result of partisan politics, such shabby treatment could be extended to heroes even within their own catchment area. Politics can be a very brutal war indeed with no hostages taken.

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       Several years back in Benin City at a public lecture to mark the momentous two-term tenure of the feisty, occasionally tempestuous but politically gifted Adams Oshiomhole, yours sincerely as the guest lecturer had noticed two gentlemen lurking faraway in the hall in bemused anonymity. They did not interact with the crowd and the crowd did not interact with them. Nobody acknowledged their presence in the hall and they did not acknowledge anybody either.

      But yours sincerely was having none of that. As the lecture got underway, one had noted the presence of these men in the hall without whose heroic exertions, the current democratic experiment would have been impossible. “Please step forward for recognition, Chief Frank Kokori and Great Ovedje Ogboru!” yours sincerely rallied.

      Muted and grudging applause followed to the consternation of the hard men in the crowd. It was only then that the two gentlemen were chaperoned to the front of the gathering. While Kokori donned a grin of worldly wise sangfroid, Great Ogboru wore a bemused frown as they were led to the front. They probably knew what one did not know at that particular point in time that past distinctions cannot count where current contentions are unfolding.

      A few weeks back, Frank Kokori went to join his ancestors perhaps nursing the quiet regret that his heroic sacrifices at the behest of his society have all been in vain. Such is the whirligig of postcolonial politics. May his great and heroic soul rest in peace.

  • Kokori: Family releases list of 22-man burial committee

    Kokori: Family releases list of 22-man burial committee

    The family of late elder statesman and ex-labour leader, Chief Frank Kokori, have released a 22-man list of members designated for planning the burial ceremony.

    A statement signed by Kive Kokori, son of the late nationalist and made available to journalists in Warri, Wednesday, December 20, said the composition of persons would enable planning of a “befitting burial for this highly respected, revered, compassionate, selfless and principled Nigerian whose contribution and commitment to the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria is indelible.”

    The committee membership is as follows: Archbishop Philip Orovwuje (Chairman), Comrade Issa Aremu (Alternate Chairman), Dr Akin Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa (Deputy Chairman – Political), Comrade John Odah (Deputy Chairman – Labour), Kayode Komolafe (Deputy Chairman – Media/Civil Society), Elvis Asoro Esq. (Secretary).

    Other members include Ebenezer Adurokiya (Media),  Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq, Alex Agwanwhor  (NUPENG), Thompson Ogbodo (NUPENG),

    Innocent Iyere (NUPENG), Johnson Okoro, Ese Agiri Esq., Felix Ayanruoh Esq. – (diaspora representative), Ken Omamogho, Elvis Erute, Tobore Ovumedia, Oke Barry Atawoda, Frank Kokori JNR, Efe Kokori, Kive Kokori and ⁠Onome Kokori.

    Read Also: Kokori: Delta APC chieftain urges better treatment for senior Nigerians

    The statement read: “The committee is charged with the responsibility of liaising with the Federal and State Governments, Labour, Corporate Organizations, individuals and other stakeholders with the aim of organizing a befitting burial for this distinguished elder statesman. 

    “In due course, the committee will make public, further details regarding the burial including a date after the required consultations. 

    “We thank the committee members who despite their very busy schedules have graciously agreed to do this as a mark of honour for a great Nigerian patriot and hero.”

    Recall that Chief Kokori had passed on December 7, 2023, when he clocked 80, after a month’s battle with a kidney-related ailment. 

  • Hero of the struggle

    Hero of the struggle

    • Kokori’s death a painful blow to the democratic struggle

    Conscious of his place in history, Chief Frank Kokori’s words, as he lay dying in a hospital, had the character of an epitaph. He was reported saying, “I was born a hero and I will live the life of a hero even in my death.” 

    Indeed, as a pro-democracy activist, he heroically fought against military dictatorship in Nigeria, and enabled the country’s return to democracy. His name became a byword for heroism. His death, at the age of 80, on December 7, his birthday, brought back memories of the country’s intense struggle against internal anti-democratic forces.  

    Under the malignant despotism of Gen. Sani Abacha, who sought to perpetuate his predecessor’s unjust annulment of Nigeria’s June 12, 1993 presidential election, won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola, there was a fierce urgency to fight back, and the pro-democracy camp bared its fangs. Abacha had arrested and detained Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), one of the two existing political parties at the time, for seeking the restoration of his electoral mandate.    

    Kokori was the General Secretary of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Financial Secretary of the SDP. His union, in collaboration with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), in 1994, organised unprecedented nationwide strikes that crippled the oil industry, the soul of the nation.  

    “We had to mobilise because we controlled the whole system,” Kokori recalled in an interview. “The Nigerian refineries were working full-blown at that time. We were in control of the terminals that were exporting oil, the refineries, tanker drivers, and everything downstream, upstream, and midstream. So, we shut down the country.”

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    The resistance, which lasted 8 to 10 weeks, ended shortly after his arrest in August 1994. He had coordinated the confrontation from a hiding place. He was caged for four years, and was declared a prisoner of conscience by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Amnesty International (AI). Abacha’s successor set him free after the tyrant died in 1998.

    Nigeria’s return to democracy, in 1999, was the outcome of the pro-democracy battle in which he was an influential combatant. It is a testimony to his sense of history that his 2014 book, ‘Kokori: The Struggle for June 12’, “details the roles he and other individuals played in the quest to re-validate the June 12, 1993 presidential election.”

    Significantly, in 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari changed Nigeria’s Democracy Day, marked every May 29 since 2000, to June 12, to honour Abiola, who died in detention in 1998. The day was also declared a national holiday. It was another testament to the victory of the country’s June 12 activists and heroes of democracy, among whom Kokori was highly ranked.

    Born in Kokori, Warri, in present-day Delta State, he attended the University of Ibadan, and the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, Netherlands (ISS), where he earned a master’s degree in Labour and Development Studies in 1984. Before his era as NUPENG general secretary, which lasted 22 years, he was general secretary of the National Union of Nigeria Bank Employees for three years.

    He was a recipient of the George Meany Labour/Human Rights Award by the American Federation of Labour/Congress of Industrial Organisation (AFL/CIO) for the most outstanding Labour Leader in the world in 1996; and the Febe Elizabeth Velasquez Trade Union/Human Rights Award of the Dutch Labour Federation (FNV) for the most outstanding Labour Activist and Human Rights Crusader in the world in 1998.

    He was appointed chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) in 2017, and later chairman of the board of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    About a month before he died, he made the headlines on account of his ill-health, hospitalisation, and neglect by individuals and organisations that were expected to take an interest in his wellbeing. It was an undeserved treatment for a hero of his standing, and raised questions about how the country treats its heroes. For his heroic service to bring about democracy in Nigeria, he deserves an enduring honour.

  • Kokori’s last wish for Nigeria, by ex-NUPENG leader

    Kokori’s last wish for Nigeria, by ex-NUPENG leader

    A former deputy president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joseph Akinlaja, has said that the last wish of late Chief Frank Kokori was for the government to make the country’s refineries work.

    Comrade Akinlaja said Kokori was a patriot who was committed to a better democratic Nigeria and robust trade unionism.

    Kokori, a former Secretary General of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), died on December 6th, 2023 on his 80th birthday.

    Akinlaja, in a statement he personally signed and issued to journalists in Akure, said he was sadden with the news of the passing of a man he termed global acclaimed unionist, writer, thinker, scholar, orator, tutor, organizer, administrator, cultural icon, nationalist and politician of the first rank.

    He said many patriots have learnt indelible lessons of human existence from Kokori’s award winning works of labour activism in driving forward the reform of the trade union movement,

    The statement read: “During his last moment with me in Warri on his hospital bed, under severe pains and in an emotionally-laden voice, he said Joseph, as he usually called me, and said life was ebbing out of him, because the air conditioner in the hospital had been switched off due to high cost of diesel.

    “Tell them that I can pay any amount, or even ask you and others to pay for me, but let them switch on the AC for me because I’m dying. Those were his words to me that day.

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    “He also told me if he ever come out alive in that hospital, he will advise government to make the refineries work. He also decried why successive governments have failed to keep the refineries up on stream. Despite old age, the zest was still in him to challenge the status quo. Even when he was dying, he was still thinking about Nigeria and the pains of Nigerians. It was really heart-rending for me to see such a great icon melt away like a candle beside the fire.

    “I remember vividly those glorious years when he handed over the mantle of administrative leadership of NUPENG to me as the General Secretary in year 2000, having served merritoriously for good 17 good years. He built NUPENG to the level that the junior oil workers’ union became a beautiful bride of envy to everyone within and outside trade unionism, both in the formal and informal sectors.

    “Nevertheless, I am consoled by the knowledge that Kokori would live forever in the hearts and minds of present and future generations through his great works which brought him enduring international fame and countless honours of a man of class, integrity and finesse.

    “I strongly believe that Kokori’s frank, truthful and fearless interventions in national affairs especially during the June 12 struggle brought out the hero in him. He was dedicated, resilient, dogged and courageous, he confronted the military regime headlong in the face of barrel of the gun, he was locked up in a solitary desert prison in Bama, Borno State, for four years, yet he kept on the fighting spirit, until democracy was finally respected and restored in Nigeria. Kokori was not just Frank in name but as well Frank in vision and in principles.

    “All these he chronicled in his book, “Frank Kokori: The Struggle for June 12.”

  • Kokori: Delta APC chieftain urges better treatment for senior Nigerians

    Kokori: Delta APC chieftain urges better treatment for senior Nigerians

    A Delta APC chieftain, Chief Hyacinth Enuha, has expressed deep shock at the demise of ex-NUPENG Secretary General, Frank Kokori.

    He expressed displeasure over the abandonment of the former NUPENG Secretary General and urged better treatment for senior citizens in the country.

    Enuha noted that Chief Kokori’s demise has created a vacuum not only in the Delta state but in the entire Urhobo nation and the nation at large.

    Chief Enuha, who spoke yesterday in a statement by his media aide, Nnamdi Ofonye, said Kokori’s wealth of wisdom and experience was needed to guide and mentor the younger generation in leadership roles.

    He reminisced on his close relationship with other prominent Deltans such as the late senator Spanner Okpozo, the late DIG Ugbaja, and the late Barr. Nwachukwu and Chief Jerry Esigie under the Delta APC leaders council following the birth of the All Progressive Council (APC) in Delta state.

    According to him, to encourage patriotism and national service among Nigerians, there ought to be tangible investments in their lives, especially during retirement.

    Read Also: Immortalise Kokori, Emerhor tells FG

    He added that the late Frank Kokori deserved more, following his commitment to the cause of democracy

    He said: “I am again sad over the death of a man I worked and shared close affiliations with. His love for his people and Nation was unrivalled. From time to time, we still discuss very important national and state issues but sadly, instead of us sending out birthday wishes to mark his 80th anniversary, he left, forcing us to put out condolence messages.”

    Enuha prayed for the repose of his soul while also praying God to give his children and all those he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

  • Kokori’s last words: I’ll live hero’s life even in death

    Kokori’s last words: I’ll live hero’s life even in death

    • Emerhor urges Tinubu to immortalise ex-NUPENG leader
    • APC chieftain urges better treatment for senior citizens

    “I will live the life of a hero even in my death,” were some of the last words of the late former Secretary-General of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori, before he went unconscious and died days later at a private hospital in Warri, Delta State, where he had received treatment for more than one month.

     As news of his death spread around the country, it 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, exhibited 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, who he recognised 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 journey 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.

    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 Governor Oborevwori).”

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    Although the recording did not capture the names, his aide, Atavwoda, 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 is such a good man. Oborevwori wasn’t close to him as some people, but Oborevwori showed love, concern as a good man.

    “He pleaded with Oborevwori to help four persons that were close to him, aside 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.”

    Kokori’s exit 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 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’s country home to console 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 ground to receive them.

    The Nation reports that one of the children, 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 described the death of Chief Kokori as a great loss to Nigeria’s democracy considering his personal sacrifice against the then military junta to return the country to civil rule.

    “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, the 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 of a better Nigeria,” the statement reads in part.

    APC chieftain urges better treatment of senior citizens

    Expressing shock at Kokori’s death, an APC chieftain in Delta State, Chief Hyacinth Enuha, said he was displeased with the neglect suffered by the former NUPENG Secretary General and urged better treatment for senior citizens in the country.

    Enuha noted that Chief Kokori’s demise has created a vacuum not only in the Delta State but in the entire Urhobo land and the nation at large.

    In a statement issued by his media aide Nnamdi Ofonye yesterday, Enuha said Kokori’s wealth of wisdom and experience was needed to guide and mentor the younger generation in leadership roles.

    He recalled his close relationship with other prominent Deltans such as the late Senator Spanner Okpozo, the late DIG Ugbaja, the late Barr. Nwachukwu and Chief Jerry Esigie under the Delta APC Leaders Council, following the birth of APC in Delta State.

    According to him, to encourage patriotism and national service among Nigerians, there ought to be tangible investments in their lives, especially during retirement.

    He added that the late Frank Kokori deserved more, following his commitment to the cause of democracy.

    His words: “I am again sad over the death of a man I worked and shared close affiliations with. His love for his people and nation was unrivalled.

    “From time to time, we still discuss very important national and state issues. But sadly, instead of us sending out birthday wishes to mark his 80th anniversary, he left, forcing us to put out condolence messages.”

    Enuha prayed for the repose of Kokori’s soul while also praying God to give his children and all those he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

  • Kokori’s testament: ‘I’ll live the life of a hero even in my death’

    Kokori’s testament: ‘I’ll live the life of a hero even in my death’

    “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.

    Read Also: Torrents of tributes pour for Labour leader Kokori

    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.”

  • Immortalise Kokori, Emerhor tells FG

    Immortalise Kokori, Emerhor tells FG

    The founding leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has commiserated with the family of the late former Secretary General of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, over the passage of the octogenarian.

    Kokori, an elder statesman and a founding chieftain of APC, died at a Warri hospital on Thursday after battling a kidney related ailment.

    Emerhor, a renowned banker and politician, while reacting to the passage of Chief Kokori, described the former NUPENG scribe of being pivotal to the returning of Nigeria to democracy.

    Emerhor in a statement on Friday noted that the death of Chief Kokori is a great loss to Nigeria’s democracy considering his personal sacrifice against the then military junta to return the country to civilian government.

    He. called on the President Bola Tinubu-led APC government to immortalise the former labour leader for his role in ensuring that the country return to democratic rule.

    The APC leader stated that despite Kokori’s incarceration by the then military government, the iconic labour leader remained consistent in his fight for the democracy which all Nigerians are currently enjoying.

    Read Also: Torrents of tributes pour for Labour leader Kokori

    Emerhor further posited that the feats achieved by Chief Kokori especially in the June 12 struggle will remained ever-green and appealed to President Tinubu to immortalise the elder statesman.

    “I am pained to receive the sad news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s active participants in 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 of a better Nigeria”, the statement partly reads.