Late Frank Kokori.
Newsone Nigeria reports that a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Frank Kokori is dead.
This online news platform understands that Frank Kokori died today, Thursday, December 7, 2023, of kidney-related ailment at age 80 in a hospital in Warri, Delta State, southern Nigeria.
Frank Kokori’s death was disclosed by his Personal Assistant, Atawada Oke.
Over the past few months, the former NUPENG secretary had been battling a kidney-related ailment.
Newsone Nigeria recalls that Kokori raised an alarm over his health status from his sick bed on November 9, 2023. Twenty-four hours later, Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta, visited the elder statesman at the hospital and promised that the state would provide support for him to get “high-quality medical treatment”.
Kokori played a significant role in the struggle against the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
The late former NUPENG Secretary-General mobilised workers against the annulment of the election and the military junta. Owing to his activism, he was arrested and detained by the military government.
Kokori led NUPENG and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in organising nationwide strikes that crippled the oil industry, the country’s economic lifeblood.
The strikes served as a powerful weapon against the military regime, putting significant pressure on Babangida to reverse his decision.
In addition to leading the oil workers’ strikes, Kokori was actively involved in pro-democracy activities. He participated in various rallies and demonstrations, calling for the enthronement of democracy and the recognition of Abiola’s victory.
The late former NUPENG Secretary-General also played a crucial role in building alliances with other pro-democracy groups and individuals, fostering unity and a common front against the military regime.
As a result of his relentless activism, Kokori was arrested and detained by the military government, enduring imprisonment and torture.
Despite the hardships he faced, Kokori remained undeterred, continuing to advocate for democracy and the ideals he believed in. His unwavering commitment and courageous actions earned him widespread respect and admiration, solidifying his status as a hero in the fight for June 12.