“Frank Kokori was a thoroughbred democrat and activist. He fought for democracy at a great personal cost. He surrendered his liberty to fight for truth and justice. He was the finest among reformers and champions of civil rights in Nigeria.”
By Emma Ogbuehi
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of former secretary-general of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori.
The late elder statesman, who was a foremost figure in the June 12 struggle, died in the early hours of Thursday, the day he was meant to be celebrating his 80th birthday anniversary.
President Tinubu, who acknowledged the late Chief Kokori as a thoroughbred activist, who surrendered his liberty in the fight for truth and justice, also described him as a brother in the June 12 Struggle and an exemplary comrade.
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According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President condoled with the Kokori family, the civil society, the government, and the people of Delta State, over the deeply painful loss.
President Tinubu described the former labour leader as a man of conscience; highly principled, courageous, and true.
He said: “Frank Kokori was a thoroughbred democrat and activist. He fought for democracy at a great personal cost. He surrendered his liberty to fight for truth and justice. He was the finest among reformers and champions of civil rights in Nigeria.
“He was a brother in the June 12 struggle. He was uncompromising, unbending, and irrepressible. He was an exemplary comrade.”
President Tinubu, while praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased, encouraged those he left behind to take comfort in his peerless legacy.