President Bola Tinubu yesterday described the late labour leader and elder statesman, Chief Frank Kokori, as one of the foremost nationalists Nigeria had ever produced.
In his eulogy at the funeral held at St James’ Anglican Church, Oviorie-Ovu, Ethiope east local government area of Delta State, President Tinubu condoled the government and people of Delta State and members of the Kokori family,
Represented by the minister of state for petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Tinubu said: “Chief Frank Kokori was one of the foremost nationalists Nigeria has ever produced. He was a man of uncommon courage, a selfless leader who put the interests of Nigeria first before his personal interests.
“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, he was the voice of the less privileged and was the voice that was heard both locally and internationally.
“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.”
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other prominent Nigerians graced the burial ceremony at Oviorie-Ovu, at the quiet Agbon clan which stood still to give last respects and final rites to their illustrious son.
Earlier in his sermon, the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. Christian Ide who spoke extensively on ‘Hope’, said when life seems impossible, God brings eternal hope to those who believe in Him.
