BREAKING: Former NUPENG Secretary General, Frank Kokori Is Dead

Prominent Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) figure, Chief Frank Kokori, passes away on his 80th birthday.

Chief Frank Kokori, a well-respected elder statesman and former General Secretary of NUPENG, passed away at 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2023. Coincidentally, it was his 80th birthday. The news of his passing was disclosed by his personal assistant, Atawada Barry Oke, who stated that Chief Kokori had been on life support since Monday.

Despite his deteriorating health, Chief Kokori was still able to communicate faintly on Sunday. However, his condition worsened on Monday, and he was placed on a life-support machine. Sadly, he eventually succumbed to his illness at 1:30 a.m., seemingly waiting for his 80th birthday to bid farewell.

Chief Kokori had been battling kidney-related medical challenges since late October and had been receiving treatment at Mount Horeb Clinic in Warri, Delta State. On November 9, 2023, he made a distress call to express his dissatisfaction with the lack of care he was receiving at the hospital.

Known for his strong advocacy for labor rights, Chief Kokori expressed his disappointment in NUPENG and the nation for abandoning him during his time of need. He lamented the poor conditions at the hospital, including the lack of electricity due to a shortage of diesel.

Despite his grievances, Chief Kokori received support from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who visited him in the hospital on November 10 and covered his medical expenses. Other dignitaries, including Senator Ede Dafinone and representatives of former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, also visited him after his outcry.

As at the time of filling this report, Chief Kokori’s remains are still at the hospital, awaiting the arrival of close family members who have been notified of his passing.