Delta State Government has indicated interest to work with the family of former Secretary General of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Chief Frank Kokori, to ensure a befitting burial ceremony for the departed elder statesman..
Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, gave the assurance on Wednesday when a delegation of the Kokori family of Ovu in Agbon Kingdom, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the State, paid him a thank you visit for the enviable roles he played when the elder statesman was receiving medical attention at Mount Horeb Hospital in Warri.
He said Chief Kokori’s name shall be written in gold and remembered for a very long time to come, because of his dogged and genuine contributions to the growth and development of constitutional democracy in Nigeria, and for his advocacy for better working conditions for petroleum and natural gas workers, and by extension Nigeria workers.
Governor Oborevwori noted that Chief Kokori was a great unionist, national hero and a prominent Deltan, who genuinely served humanity with great zeal and uncommon passion.
He urged the children of the departed elder statesman to sustain the good name of their late father who was widely known for his forthrightness; describing him as a reliable, dependable, God fearing and patriotic leader.
The governor said Deltans and indeed Nigerians will never forget Frank Kokori’s enviable contributions to nation building and growth of our nascent democracy.
“It is very sad that our dear elder statesman, Chief Frank Kokori, could not survive the ailment. The cold hands of death snatched him away from us. We bonded briefly before his demise.
“Chief Kokori was an accomplished man, a national hero, a great unionist and a consummate leader who genuinely wanted a better Nigeria for all.
“I am governor for all Deltans, irrespective of political affiliations. We must all stay united as Deltans for the advancement of our great state. I find pleasure in reaching out to all Deltans.
“I frequently checked on late Chief Kokori and always in touch with the hospital management to ensure he got the best medical attention. Sadly enough, he passed on.
“He told me that majority of his children are living in the United States of America, and it is obvious from this visit that there are reliable elders that can help the children plan ahead for their father’s funeral arrangements.
“Once the date of the burial ceremony is agreed upon by the family and children of our late elder statesman, Chief Kokori, endeavour to communicate same to me, so that government can be part of the entire process.
“You are very free to contact me whenever the need arises, and I will be available to do the needful,” governor Oborevwori assured.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the children of the departed unionist and elder statesman, Comrade Efe Kokori said he was mandated by his elder brother, Frank Ovie Kokori Jnr, and other siblings residing in the United States of America, to specially appreciate governor Oborevwori, and to present a “Thank You” letter to him for showing great love towards their father, pending their arrival in Nigeria at a later date to meet with the governor.
“Your Excellency, I am mandated by my elder brother, Frank Ovie Kokori Jnr and my other siblings, home and abroad, to come with elders of our family to thank you specially for showing uncommon love to our late father.
“You personally paid him a visit at the hospital, sat beside him on his sick bed at a time many people looked the other way. Your visit lifted his spirit and he was very happy. He kept praying for you till his last breath.
“You also paid all medical bills while our father was receiving medical attention, and you personally monitored his progress until he passed on. You are a good man and a genuine governor for all Deltans. We are very grateful, Your Excellency.
“As requested, we shall convey the date of the burial ceremony of our late father to you and government at the appropriate time. We solicit your usual support as our governor,” he said.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a “Thank You” letter to governor Oborevwori by the sons and family members of late Chief Frank Kokori. The presentation was made by Comrade Efe Kokori, one of the sons of the late elder statesman.
The Kokori family delegation include; Comrade Efe Kokori (Son of the late elder statesman), Chief Macaulay Kokori, Mr Nelson Kokori, Archbishop Philips Orovwuje, Chief John Itebu, Barrister Ese Agiri, Oke Barry Atawoda and Mr Ovumedia Monday Tobore.
The State Director of Protocols, Chief Sunday Onoriode, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Orientation and Communication, Dr (Barr) Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, joined the governor to receive the delegation at the Government House Asaba.