President Bola Tinubu on Thursday described the departed ex-secretary-general of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori as the hero of the protracted and bloody June 12 struggle.
Kokori, a foremost figure in the pro-democracy struggle which was waged valiantly by activists against the successive military junta to restore Nigeria’s freest and fairest election won by departed multimillionaire philanthropist, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola on June 12, 1993, but was annulled by the former Gen Ibrahim Babangida dictatorship, died in the early hours of Thursday, the day he was meant to be celebrating his 80th birthday anniversary.
Kokori, who has been on hospital bed over kidney-related ailment for the past month, passed on aged 80 years.
It was gathered that he passed away at a private hospital in Warri around 1:30 am on Thursday, December 7, 2023, which is coincidentally his birthday.
Kokori’s Personal Assistant, Atawada Oke, disclosed the passage of the veteran labour leader to journalists early Thursday, noting that his health relapsed on Monday when he was unable to interact with people around him while he was placed on life support.
The deceased made a distress call from his hospital bed over his health status on Thursday, November 9, 2023, lamenting that he had been neglected and abandoned to die despite his huge contribution to the democratic growth of the country.
Consequently, dignitaries including Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; officials of NUPENG among others visited him.
Acknowledging Chief Kokori as a thoroughbred activist, who surrendered his liberty in the fight for truth and justice, President Tinubu, who, together with Kokori and other activists was also in the trenches during Nigeria’s most trying days apart from the Civil War, also described the departed as a brother in the June 12 Struggle and an exemplary comrade.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President condoled with the Kokori family, the civil society, the government, and the people of Delta State, over the deeply painful loss.
President Tinubu described the former labour leader as a man of conscience; highly principled, courageous, and true.
He said: “Frank Kokori was a thoroughbred democrat and activist. He fought for democracy at a great personal cost. He surrendered his liberty to fight for truth and justice. He was the finest among reformers and champions of civil rights in Nigeria.
“He was a brother in the June 12 struggle. He was uncompromising, unbending, and irrepressible. He was an exemplary comrade.”
President Tinubu, while praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased, encouraged those he left behind to take comfort in his peerless legacy.
Also, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed sadness over the death of its former general secretary, Frank Kokori.
Speaking with NAN in Lagos, NUPENG president Williams Akporeha said the association wished he lived longer, adding that he was a beacon of democratic struggles in Nigeria.
Akporeha said, “He stood firm and continued to speak for the downtrodden until his last breath on earth. We wish he lived longer. It is a sad day for us in NUPENG and will continue to celebrate him.
“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 struggles for the emancipation of the working class globally and enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria.”
Further in a statement signed by Akporeha and NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the Union said Kokori was a “well-known committed and dedicated defender, promoter and fighter for workers’ rights and democratic rights of the citizens.”
The statement added: “He spent years in prisons and severally brutalised in his struggles for not only the Trade Unions but in 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; we 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.”
Kokori played a major role in the struggle for the validation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Moshood Abiola.
He led NUPENG and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in organising nationwide strikes that crippled the oil industry intending to force the Ibrahim Babangida military regime to reverse the annulment of the election.
Due to his activism, Kokori was arrested and detained by the military government.
Kokori emerged as a pivotal figure in the struggle for the validation of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election won by late Chief Moshood Abiola.
The military junta of Ibrahim Babangida, annulled the results, causing outrage and protests across the country.
Kokori was involved in mobilising the masses against the annulment.
He led NUPENG and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in organising nationwide strikes that crippled the oil industry, the country’s economic lifeblood.
The strikes served as a powerful weapon against the military regime, putting significant pressure on Babangida to reverse his decision.
In addition to leading the oil workers’ strikes, Kokori was actively involved in pro-democracy activities.
He participated in various rallies and demonstrations, calling for the enthronement of democracy and the recognition of Abiola’s victory.
He also played a crucial role in building alliances with other pro-democracy groups and individuals, fostering unity and a common front against the military regime.
As a result of his relentless activism, Kokori was arrested and detained by the military government, enduring imprisonment and torture.
Despite the hardships he faced, Kokori remained undeterred, continuing to advocate for democracy and the ideals he believed in.
His unwavering commitment and courageous actions earned him widespread respect and admiration, solidifying his status as a hero in the fight for June 12.
