Immediate past Deputy President of the Nigerian Ninth Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, on Thursday, mourned the death of elder-statesman and ex-secretary general of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG), Chief Frank Ovie Kokori.
The Senator in a condolence statement he personally signed, described the late Kokori as a great comrade, foremost patriot and icon of principled trade unionism who was recognised globally as a symbol of good conscience and forthrightness.
His words: “This morning, our people woke up to the sad news that our leader and father, the irrepressible Chief (Comrade) Frank Ovie Kokori has transited to eternal glory. Pa. Kokori was a worthy statesman, great comrade, foremost patriot and icon of principled trade unionism who was recognised globally as a symbol of good conscience and forthrightness.
“Just recently, many leaders and citizens of goodwill across the nation, including organised labour, commendably rose up to the occasion when news came in that Pa. Kokori was ill. This came about because Pa. Kokori was a profoundly good man who was loved by many for his steadfast and patriotic service to the nation and humanity. He was a clean, worthy leader who refused to sell the good of the nation to promote himself. A trusted protector of the interest of the Nigerian worker. A truly great leader of our people.
“Emeritus Comrade Kokori’s high leadership values, including overflowing wisdom and irrepressible spirit, were a huge blessing to our people. He constantly demonstrated uncommon forthrightness in every engagement to offer good governance to our people.
“He firmly believed that public governance is only meaningful if it makes progressive and sustainable impacts on the lives of the people. He was therefore a huge and ever-present catalyst in our people’s determination to change uninspiring governance narratives for their common good. His zero tolerance for dishonest governance guided all who truly cherish selfless leadership. He was a great mentor to many.
“The memory of Pa. Kokori’s dogged and fearless struggles as one of the foremost architects of our democracy will abide in the consciousness of a grateful nation. We are grateful for his good and worthy life. We thank God for his exemplary life. May the positive values that defined his good life always guide us to do what is right for our people. Good night, Itetebe!”
