Chief Frank Ovie Kokori
Atiku mourns Frank Kukori. Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential contender for 2023, has lamented the death of Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, an elder statesman and former General Secretary of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers of Nigeria.
Atiku described Kokori as a genuine fighter for democracy.
In a statement on Sunday, Atiku expressed deep regret over the news of the elder statesman’s death, saying Kokori was a man of the people who was well-loved for his sincerity, convictions, and sense of purpose.
“Chief Kokori was a leading figure in the June 12 struggle, where he and other individuals played critical roles in the quest to re-validate the June 12, 1993, presidential election,” the statement said in part.
“Chief Frank Kokori’s contributions to the June 12 struggle and Nigeria’s democracy remain an inspiration to many.
“Chief Kokori left enduring legacies, part of which was his considerable effort towards mainstreaming the oil sector in the development drive of the nation.”
He stated that Kokori will be much missed, particularly now when “our nation is in desperate need of strongly principled people who can stand firm in upholding the truth.”
Chief Kokori’s death, according to Atiku, was a major loss not only to organized labor and Delta State, but to the entire nation.
“As the nation mourns him, I enjoin the Kokori family, friends and associates to honour his memory by continually upholding the values and principles which he lived for and never stopped fighting for till his death.”