Comrades Issa Aremu, John Odah and 19 other personalities, including representatives of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have been picked to organise the final burial rites of iconic trade unionist, Comrade Frank Kokori.
Comrade Kokori died on his birthday, December 7, 2023 at the age of 80 after a protracted illness.
A statement announcing the burial committee signed by Mr Kive Kokori for the family and obtained by National Record on Wednesday, is co-chaired by Comrade Issa Aremu and Archbishop Philip Orovwuje JP.
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The committee, with representatives from Organised Labour, Media, Civil Society, and Diaspora, amongst other sectors, has Mr Elvis Asoro as Secretary; Dr Akin Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa – Deputy Chairman (Political), Comrade John Odah – Deputy Chairman (Labour); and Kayode Komolafe – Deputy Chairman (Media/Civil Society)
The statement reads:
“Following the passing to glory of Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, an elder-statesman, renowned pro-democracy activist, Labour Leader extraordinaire and consummate nationalist, a former Secretary General of NUPENG and an APC Chieftain on 7th December 2023.
“Mr Kive Kokori on behalf of the family, after due consultations, wishes to announce the composition of a Burial Planning Committee of distinguished persons. This is to plan a befitting burial for this highly respected, revered, compassionate, selfless and principled Nigerian whose contribution and commitment to the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria is indelible.
“The Committee membership is as follows;
1. Archbishop Philip Orovwuje Jp – Chairman
2. Comrade Issa Aremu – Alternate Chairman
3. Dr Akin Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa – Deputy Chairman (Political)
4. Comrade John Odah – Deputy Chairman (Labour)
5. Kayode Komolafe – Deputy Chairman (Media/Civil Society)
6. Elvis Asoro Esq. – Secretary
7. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq. – (Member)
8. Alex Agwanwhor – Nupeng Rep (Member)
9. Thompson Ogbodo – Nupeng Rep (Member)
10. Innocent Iyere – Nupeng Rep (Member)
11. Johnson Okoro (Member)
12. Ese Agiri Esq. (Member)
13. Felix Ayanruoh Esq. – Diaspora Rep (Member)
14. Ebenezer Adurokiya – Media (Member)
15. Ken Omamogho (Member)
16. Elvis Erute (Member)
17. Tobore Ovumedia (Member)
18. Oke Barry Atawoda (Member)
19. Frank Kokori Jnr (Member)
20. Efe Kokori (Member)
21. Kive Kokori (Member)
“The committee is charged with the responsibility of liaising with the Federal and State Governments, Labour, Corporate Organisations, individuals and other stakeholders with the aim of organizing a befitting burial for this distinguished elder-statesman.
“In due course, the committee will make public, further details regarding the burial including a date after the required consultations.
“We thank the committee members who despite their very busy schedules have graciously agreed to do this as a mark of honour for a great Nigerian patriot and hero.”
