• Ceremony attracts cross-party political heavyweights, mourners from far and wide
Political affiliations and sentiments were, on Friday, set aside, and perhaps, finally laid to rest as former General Secretary, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and a foremost activist for actualization of June 12, Chief Frank Ovie-Kokori, was laid to rest in his country home of Oviorie-Ovu, in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, amid mourning and tributes for his role in enthronement of democracy in Nigeria after over a decade of military rule.
Prominent political leaders including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Senator Ede Dafinone and Chief Great Ogboru, were some of the heavyweights at the burial on Friday.
Notably, Governor Oborevwori of Peoples Democratic Party in a rare display of “Big Heart” was prominent in the planning and interment of the All Progressive Congress stalwart.
Senator Dafinone who represents Delta Central Senatorial district under All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Ogboru of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) were in attendance; while the Delta State All Progressive Congress gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege who was said to be out of the country sent delegates.
The Bishop of Warri Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Christian Ide, said;
“The death of Chief Kokori has created a vacuum that can hardly be filled in the family. He was an illustrious son of the state and you can see the presence of Governor Oborevwori. We cannot, but remember him for good.
“We have political enemies not biological enemies. We are one in Christ. We should learn from this,” Bishop Ide added.
The Anglican Bishop also said, the late Kokori was a devoted Christian, and lived in hope that the country would overcome its challenges until the last day of his life.
He commended Governor Oborevwori for identifying with the deceased despite their political differences.
Gov Oborevwori had earlier displayed “politics without bitterness” when he visited the ailing octogenarian at his hospital bed in Warri on November 7, 2023 and pledged to handle his medical bill.
Gov Oborevwori, in his tribute, said that Chief Kokori’s has “modelled for us the principles of courage, determination, resilience, sacrifice and selflessness,” adding that he cherished the moments he had with the octogenarian when he visited him in hospital on November 7, 2023.
“Even on his sick bed, Chief Kokori remained his sharp, witty and passionate self who took time to counsel me and prayed for me to succeed in my assignment as governor. It was quite an emotional one for me.” The governor described him as “a unique statesman and an icon of democracy.”
In his tributes at the church service shortly after the message, President Tinubu condoled the government and people of Delta State and members of the Kokori family – describing the late labour leader and elder statesman as one of the foremost nationalists Nigeria had ever produced.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said the “Abacha nightmare ” had left behind an indelible mark in the sand of time.
“Chief Frank Kokori was one of the foremost nationalists Nigeria has ever produced. He was a man of uncommon courage, a selfless leader who put the interest of Nigeria first before his personal interest.
“Kokori was a man of proven integrity and a democrat who fought the dreaded military regime for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.
“Even when top leaders were afraid and running away, Kokori stood and was the voice of the voiceless people; he was the voice of the underprivileged people and was the voice that was heard both locally and internationally.
“The legacies of your father cannot be surpassed by anybody because in life, it is not when you die that matters, but the legacies you left behind.
“Frank Kokori has left indelible marks in the history of this country and what is left for the children is to carry on with the baton.
“Kokori has done his own and it is left for the children to leverage on the outstanding legacies of their father to continue to render outstanding services to humanity”, the President said.
At the burial reception which held at Ovu Grammar School, Ovu-Inland, labour leaders and indigenes of Ovu, called on the Federal Government to immortalize the late NUPENG scribe.
They said although Kokori spent most of his lifetime in Lagos, Ovu remained his home and should have a legacy project to immortalize him.
Comrade Joseph Akinlaja, who was Chief Kokori’s deputy as General Secretary of NUPENG and the current president of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha,also called on President Tinubu to immortalise the foremost unionist with post-humous national honours.
(With materials from Stonix News)