The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has mourned the death of its former General Secretary, Comrade Chief Frank Ovie Kokori who died on Thursday.
Kokori, a foremost labour leader, passed away after a prolonged illness at age 83.
In a statement signed by NUPENG President, William Akporeha and 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 a life of “Sacrifice” to struggles for emancipation of the working class globally and enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria.
“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, 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 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.”
In the same vein, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) in a statement jointly signed by its President and Secretary General, Comrade Festus Osifo and Nuhu Toro, respectively, said “The late veteran Labour leader was a giant in the Trade Union Movement and his strides will be difficult to march. He trod the path of great unionists like Michael Athokhamien Imoudu, Wahab Omorilewa Goodluck, Haroon Popoola Adebola, Samuel Udoh Bassey, Gogo Chu Nzeribe, Lasisi Osunde and others whose names will never be forgotten.
“Kokori in leading the strikes against the Abacha dictatorship, taught workers and other Nigerians courage and what it is to be courageous. He taught youths patriotism and that whenever it is necessary, every generation must rise up to defend the motherland, the weak and the defenceless.
“The best tribute we can pay Comrade Frank Ovie Kokori is to continue in his path to struggle for the emancipation of all oppressed peoples not just in Nigeria, but also across the world. To serve the people as Kokori has done, is never to die in their hearts. The struggle for a better country, definitely continues.”
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