President Bola Tinubu on Thursday eulogised the late former General Secretary of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG), Chief Frank Ovie Kokori describing him as the foremost nationalist Nigeria has ever produced.
The President made the declaration about Kokori at the burial service of the octogenarian at St. James’ Anglican Church, Oviorie-Ovu in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who represented President Tinubu, said Kokori was a man of uncommon courage who put the country as his utmost interest.
“He (Tinubu) 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.
“While some leaders were afraid and running away, Kokori stood there. He was the voice of the voiceless people, the voice of the less privileged people”, he noted.
President Tinubu apologised to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Kokoris and Deltans for his absence due to state engagements adding “Let me apologise for his inability to be here personally. He would have loved to be here by himself but because of other contending issues, he couldn’t and he directed me to be here instead.
“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 said.
Lokpobiri further said: “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”.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians and Deltans to stop mourning but celebrate his exit to be with the Lord forever stressing, “Let me conclude by saying that Kokori’s death is not the death that will be painful to only Delta people.
“He was more of 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.
Bishop of Warri Diocese, Rt. Rev. Christian Esezi Ide, had in his message themed “Hope,” drawn from IThesa. 4:13-18, described the passing of Kokori as having created 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 APC, is a message that politicians should be one in Christ.
“The death of Chief Kokori has created a vacuum that can hardly be filled in the family. He was an illustrious son of the state and you can see the presence of Governor Oborevwori. We cannot, but remember him for good.
“We have political enemies not biological enemies. We are one in Christ. We should learn this,” Bishop Ide admonished while urging Christians to have hope in God to overcome their life challenges”, he said.
Comrade Joseph Akinlaja, who was Chief Kokori’s deputy as General Secretary of NUPENG, however, and president of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha, called on President Tinubu to immortalize the late foremost unionist with national honours.
Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, who was represented by third Vice President General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Chief Ominimini Obiuwevbi, urged Nigerians to emulate the nationalistic spirit of the late unionist.
Several government functionaries and dignitaries from all walks of life including the Minister of State for Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande and a five-time governorship candidate in Delta, Chief Great Ogboru, among others were at the burial event.
Chief Kokori passed away on 7th December 2023, the day he clocked 80 years, after a battle with kidney-related ailment.
He was survived by many children and grandchildren including Mr. Franklin Kokori Jnr, Mr. Efe Kokori, Mr. Kive Kokori, Miss One Kokori among others.
