Some stakeholders in the labour sector have expressed sympathy over the passing of a former General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori, in the early hours of Thursday.
DAILY POST reported that Frank Kokori died on Thursday in a hospital in Warri, Delta State.
The stakeholders expressed their condolences in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos State.
The president of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Tommy Okon, said Kokori's death was very painful, especially at a time when his wise counsel on labour issues was most needed.
Okon is also the deputy president of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.
“The trade union movement will miss him seriously, but his contributions to the growth and development of the trade union movement in the country can never be forgotten.
“Let me use this medium to extend my condolences to the family and the trade union movement, in particular the NUPENG family, for the loss.
“Also, I pray for the repose of the soul of the erstwhile General Secretary of NUPENG, Chief Frank Kokori; may his soul rest peacefully, “ he said.
Also, Okeke Anya, the programme manager of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, described Kokori's death as a very sad one.
“Chief Frank Kokori was not only a great labour leader but also a great patriot who fought for the entrenchment of democracy in the country. We console the family and pray that his soul rests with the Almighty,” Anya said.
Earlier, NUPENG, in a statement, said that Kokori was a well-known committed, dedicated defender, promoter, and fighter for workers and the democratic rights of citizens.
The statement, signed by NUPENG's president, Williams Akporeha, and general secretary, Olawale Afolabi, also described the late Kokori as a beacon of democratic struggles in Nigeria.
According to the duo, he remained an advocate of democracy throughout his life.
“He spent a life of “sacrifice” to struggle for the emancipation of the working class globally and the enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria.
“He spent years in prisons and was severally brutalised in his struggles for not only the trade unions but also in the struggles against military rule in Nigeria.
“While the entire NUPENG family mourns the loss of a great labour icon, we also celebrate his remarkable life, where he contributed to our collective struggles for the emancipation of the working people for the greater good of all and sundry,” the leaders said.
