Newsbreak: June 12,Workers hero, Frank Kokori is dead

By Joseph Ologeh

Former revolutionary leader of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is dead. He died Thursday at the age of 80.

He had battled protracted illness.

He was one of the iconic figures that fought for the military at one of the roughest moments in Nigerian history. He kept the flag of the Labour movement flying at a time when the union was most needed. He stood firm for justice and liberty.

On behalf of Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers,
Comrade Lliams Akporeha and Comrade Abi Olawale announced his demise on Thursday in a statement made available to Irohinoodua

Kokori died in the early hours of Thursday.

Late Comrade Frank Ovie 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 emancipation ofthe working class globally and enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria.

His comrades said he spent years in prisons and severally brutalized 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 consolations 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” the two aides said.

They noted that while the entire NUPENG family mourn 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 greater good to 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. May the soul of Chief Frank Kokori rest in peace.”