The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has expressed shock over the passing away of its deputy national chairman, Chief Thompson Kiatonye Omokobia Okorotie.
PANDEF, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday by its national chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, said Okorotie, aged 78, was a steadfast, committed, trusted, and reliable compatriot in the Niger Delta cause.
The statement described the demise of the elder statesman as not only a great loss to his family, and the government and people of Bayelsa State, but to PANDEF, the Niger Delta region, and the Nigerian state as well.
It reads in part: “The passing on of Chief TKO Okorotie is not only a great loss to his family, and the government and people of Bayelsa State, but to PANDEF, the Niger Delta region, and the Nigerian State as well.
“Chief TKO Okorotie was a founding member of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, and the pioneer State Chairman of the Bayelsa State Chapter of the Forum before becoming the Deputy National Chairman in 2020.
“He was a steadfast, committed, trusted, and reliable Compatriot in the Niger Delta cause and the national quest for the restructuring of Nigeria. A great patriot, consummate leader, political strategist, businessman, and administrator with exceptional people skills.
“He was a stabilizer, peacemaker, selfless, and humane. No words would be enough to describe the sadness we feel over his demise. We will sorely miss his invaluable contributions to our efforts at fostering unity, peace, and development in the Niger Delta region.
“A former Chip Whip of the old Rivers State House of Assembly between 1999 and 1983, the late Chief TKO Okorotie was one of the most prominent politically conscious elder statesmen in Bayelsa State.
“PANDEF extends its deepest condolences to his family and the Government and people of Bayelsa State. May the Almighty God grant us all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“The remains of Chief TKO Okorotie who passed on the 29th of September 2023 will be laid to rest on Friday, 8th March 2024 in his hometown, Ekeremor Town, in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
“The Bayelsa State House of Assembly held a Valedictory Session in his honor on Wednesday 6th March 2024 and a Service of Songs was held later in the day at the Chief D. S. P. Alameyeseigha Banquet Hall, Yenagoa.”
