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Keyamo Reacts To Death Of Kokori

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Festus Keyamo 1

Keyamo Reacts To Death Of Kokori

Festus Keyamo 1

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has expressed condolences over the passing of former General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Frank Kokori.

The former NUPENG scribe passed away at a private hospital in the early hours of Thursday.

Kokori’s personal assistant, Atawada Oke, made the announcement, revealing that his health deteriorated on Monday, leaving him unable to interact with others while on life support.

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Keyamo, in a condolence message shared on his profile on X, referred to Kokori as his “mentor and guide,” highlighting Kokori’s struggle for the restoration of the June 12 mandate during his time in Bama prisons.

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Keyamo stated, “I mourn the passing away of my father-in-the-struggle, my mentor and my guide. When Frank Kokori was in solitary confinement in Bama prisons for his struggle for the restoration of the June 12 mandate nearly 30 years ago, I personally represented him in various courts, fighting for his freedom.

“As a result, I became an adopted ‘son’ of his family. His late wife and children were constantly in court with me and I would spend time in their home in Surulere.”

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The Senior advocate said he later joined Kokori “years later in the APC family in Delta State to struggle to liberate our state. He lived in the struggle and died in the struggle.”

“This is definitely the end of an era. My deepest condolences to his family members, the APC fold in Delta State and the Labour movement in Nigeria,” Keyamo stated.

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Kokori, distressed about his health, made a plea from his hospital bed on November 9, 2023, expressing feelings of neglect and abandonment despite his significant contributions to the democratic development of the country. His prominence in the fight for the validation of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, won by Moshood Abiola, earned him a central role in the events that unfolded.

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Following the annulment by former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, which sparked nationwide outrage and protests, Kokori played a crucial role in mobilizing the masses against the decision. As the leader of both NUPENG and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), he orchestrated nationwide strikes that paralyzed the oil industry, a critical economic sector for the country.

These strikes served as a potent tool against the military regime, exerting considerable pressure on Babangida to reconsider his annulment decision. Beyond leading the oil workers’ strikes, Kokori actively engaged in pro-democracy activities, participating in rallies and demonstrations advocating for democracy and the acknowledgment of Abiola’s victory.

Kokori also played a pivotal role in forming alliances with other pro-democracy groups and individuals, fostering unity and a collective front against the military regime. His commitment to the cause and tireless efforts contributed significantly to the eventual restoration of democracy in Nigeria.

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