Dickson, Diri, Ijaw mourn billionaire philanthropist, Okoko

Immediate past governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson; his successor, Douye Diri; and the entire Ijaw nation are in mourning over the death on Tuesday of businessman and politician, Keniebi Okoko, in Lagos.

Keniebi is the son of the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo and former President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Kimse Okoko. Dickson condoled with the wife of the late politician, his aged parents, Obunagha community of Gbarain Clan, Bayelsa, the Ijaw nation and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family over the sudden death of the politician.

The ex-governor’s condolence massage put to rest the confusion surrounding the rumoured resurrection of the billionaire and philanthropist.Confusion set in yesterday morning when some persons reported that Okoko came back to life following prayers by some pastors at the morgue. The development forced the people of Obunagha, his home community, to troop to the streets in celebration.

Okoko, a successful businessman and PDP aspirant in the last governorship contest in Bayelsa, died in a Lagos hospital during a failed surgery on Tuesday at the age of 42.

In a statement yesterday by his media aide, Fidelis Soriwei, the former governor described the death of Okoko as painful and sad, adding that he left indelible footprints in the world of business and politics at a young age of 42.

He said, “Keniebi was somebody we all had a lot of hope in; he proved to be an open-minded, accommodating, large-hearted, understanding political leader that I encouraged to be under my wing henceforth for political grooming and support.”

The deceased had last Sunday distributed relief materials to his community as part of efforts to cushion the stay-at-home order occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic. He was the Chief Executive Officer of KDI Oil and Gas Limited.