PRESS STATEMENT
Governorship candidate on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the March 18th election in Delta State, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi FNIM OON, has expressed sadness over the news of the passing on of former General Secretary, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori.
He said the octogenarian died at a time Nigeria, Delta and the Urhobo nation needed him most particularly in a time when “we are supposed to mark his birth anniversary”, Gbagi, lamented.
Chief Kokori and other individuals played key roles in the quest to re-validate the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
In his book titled: “The Struggle for June 12”, the book details, in depth, the events before, during and after the election, up until he was incarcerated as well as the political fall-out which followed.
The former Union leader died in the early hours of today, Thursday December 7th 2023, around 1:30am at the age of 80 years at a private hospital in Warri, after battling with kidney-related ailment for about a month.
In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Orusi Kenneth, on Thursday December 7th 2023, to his family and Deltans particularly the Urhobo nation, Gbagi, a former Minister of State for Education, described him as an elder statesman, well-loved for his sincerity and sense of purpose.
The SDP flag bearer further stated that as a leader, Chief Kokori, was well respected because of the enormous goodwill he brought into the state and the country as NUPENG Scribe.
“He was a compassionate and determined administrator, a peacemaker and bridge builder who stepped in and led a section of the oil sector at a very difficult time in the history of the country.
“He left enduring legacies, part of which was his considerable effort towards mainstreaming the oil sector in the development drive of the nation.
“He will be remembered for his great wisdom, peaceful disposition, the goodwill he extended to all as well as his significant contributions to the growth of the economy of the nation.
“On behalf of my family and the SDP, I sincerely share in your moment of grief and pray God to grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable lose.
It would be recall that Chief Kokori made a distress call from his hospital bed over his health status on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
He lamented that he had been neglected and abandoned to die in spite of his huge contribution to the democratic growth of the country.