The All Progressives Congress (APC) founding leader in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, OON, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immortalize the fallen hero of the democratic struggle, Chief Frank Kokori.
Kokori passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023, a day he also celebrated his 80th birthday after a long battle with kidney issues.
Emerhor, who commiserated with the family of the late former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), said he played a pivotal role in the return of Nigeria to democracy.
In a statement on Friday, Emerhor 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, however, called on the President Bola Tinubu-led APC government to immortalize the former labor leader for his role in ensuring that the country returned to democratic rule.
The APC leader stated that despite Kokori’s incarceration by the then military government, the iconic labor leader remained consistent in his fight for democracy, which all Nigerians are currently enjoying.
Emerhor further posited that the feats achieved by Chief Kokori, especially in the June 12 struggle, will remain evergreen and appealed to President Tinubu to immortalize the elder statesman.
“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 immortalize him. Immortalizing 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,” the statement partly read.
