President Bola Tinubu has paid tributes to former Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Chief Frank Kokori, who was buried on Friday in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The President was represented at the funeral, held at St James’ Anglican Church Oviorie-Ovu, by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobri.
Tinubu described the late Kokori as one of the foremost nationalists Nigeria has 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 less privileged people and was the voice that was heard both locally and internationally,” he said.
Addressing members of Kokoro’s family, Tinubu added, “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.”
In a sermon, the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. Christian Ide said when life seems impossible, God brings eternal hope to those who believe in Him.
Bishop Ide who spoke on the topic, ‘Hope’, drew his text from First Thessalonians 4: 13 – 18.
The cleric harped on the need to be hopeful in God for a fulfilling and rewarding life.
He added that without hope, people will give up in life.
The Anglican Bishop said the late Kokori was a devoted Christian who worshipped God until the last day of his life and commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for identifying with the deceased despite being political differences.
Dignitaries at the event include Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone and Chief Great Ogboru,
The late Chief Frank Kokori was Secretary General of NUPENG and spearheaded the struggle for the recognition of Chief MKO Abiola as winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election.
