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“Iwill live the life of a hero even in my death,” were some of the last words of the late former Secretary-General of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori, before he went unconscious and died days later at a private hospital in Warri, Delta State, where he had received treatment for more than one month.

As news of his death spread around the country, it left shock waves in the political space, especially among witnesses to the era of the 1993 military junta.

Even at the point of death, Chief Kokori, not one to shy away from the truth, exhibited how much of a “freedom fighter,” he is and how desperately he wished Nigeria well.

Recall that after his outcry of neglect and abandonment in the wake of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) industrial action in November, right there on his sick bed, he appealed to Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu, who he recognised as one who had been part of the democratic struggle, “some time to rebuild the country”.

As he struggled with his last breaths early this week, he requested his senior Personal Assistant, Barry Atavwoda, to record him for the world to hear him one last time before his journey to the great beyond.

In the recording, which was made available to this reporter, Kokori, in between breaths, expressed deep gratitude to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for showing love and concern during his stay at the hospital.

He described the governor as a “good man” and asked God to bless him.

Kokori, whose words were distorted at intervals, also sought government and NUPENG’s assistance for “four persons,” aside his children, due to their diligence in serving him.

Kokori’s words: “This is real… as I make my last testament. Heroes die the way people like us die, so I want to record this for the world to know that this man is not doing this thing for photo shopping.

“God will bless Sheriff, God will bless Nigeria.

“Heroes don’t die without fighting. I was born a hero and I will live the life of a hero even in my death. That’s why I’m still struggling to record all these.

“… because these four persons and my children have been wonderful. So God, if you want to take me, let this my last sayings be made available to the world.

“You see, I struggle to talk because I’m a freedom fighter. And I don’t want a situation that after my death, my children would be struggling over monetary something, benefits… these four persons I mentioned, including all my children. That’s my testament again. I want cool something, cool air… Argh!”

Still panting for air, he forced out these words: “… a good man, a good man. He cherished my life (apparently referring to Governor Oborevwori).”

Although the recording did not capture the names, his aide, Atavwoda, disclosed the four persons he spoke about as himself (Barry), who is the senior aide; Chief’s second Personal Assistant, Tobore Ovumedia; his Housekeeper/chef, Akpesiri Idemudia and driver, Ovie.

Further explaining the circumstances surrounding the recording, the aide stated: “During the last breaths of Chief Frank Kokori, who was my boss, he directed me to record his last testament, even while he was struggling to survive, he used his last breath.

“And he mentioned Oborevwori, the governor of Delta State. He appreciated him for showing concern during his stay in the hospital. That he never knew Oborevwori is such a good man. Oborevwori wasn’t close to him as some people, but Oborevwori showed love, concern as a good man.

“He pleaded with Oborevwori to help four persons that were close to him, aside the children. That the four persons had served him diligently; one, his senior personal assistant, Oke Atavwoda; two, Tobore Ovumedia, his second P.A; three, the chef/housekeeper, Akpesiri Idemudia and four, his driver, Ovie. That even in death, he appreciates what these persons have done for him.

“And he pleaded that the government and NUPENG should look towards these persons mentioned. That was his last testament. It was on record, and he asked me to record him.” (The Nation)

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