The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sadness over the demise of the elder statesman and erstwhile General Secretary of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers of Nigeria , Chief Frank Ovie Kokori.
This was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori commiserated with the family, the people of Ovu community in particular, and the Urhobo nation over the passing of the fiery labour leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
He described Kokori’s passing as a “monumental loss” not just to NUPENG, Deltans, and Nigerians but to the entire world, adding that he fought gallantly for the people.
According to him, the deceased was a well-respected elder statesman and an illustrious Deltan and recalled his visit to him on his sick bed in Warri.
Governor Oborevwori said: “I have just received, with shock, news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s greatest statesmen, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, a Deltan of unparalleled patriotism.
“I am saddened that at a time like this, when his patriotic zeal is needed in our dear nation, Nigeria, death came calling. I will forever cherish our last moments together when I visited him in the hospital. He was ebullient and in very high spirits despite his ailment. He fought a good fight.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to the family, the Urhobo nation, NUPENG, APC, Deltans, and Ovu community in particular over the passing of the renowned elder statesman and labour icon.
Kokori, a renowned Labour leader who hails from Ovu in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, died in the early hours of Thursday, coincidentally on his 80th birth anniversary.
As a pro-democracy activist, he headlined and epitomised the national struggle for the revalidation of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election under the Abacha regime.
A month ago, Kokori was reported to have fallen ill and was immediately visited at the hospital by Governor Oborevwori.
