Okorocha Swears Not To Pull Down Zuma’s Statue In Owerri
Loading ...By Austin Echefu
The Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has said he will not pull down the statue of former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, who was forced to resign his position in the heat of corruption allegation.
Governor Okorocha had erected Zuma’s statue in Owerri last year, amid widespread anger and condemnation, but with the recent resignation by Zuma, there have been calls for the Governor to pull down his statue.
But in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, the Goveror said on Friday that “on the Jacob Zuma’s Statue in Owerri and the resignation of the man few days ago as President of South Africa, the statue will not be pulled down. The statue was erected when the man was a sitting president. We should also be keen in his life story”.
The Governor added: “For instance, a man who didn’t receive any formal education but rose to play a major role in the freedom of his people and also became president of one of the leading African nations calls for sober reflection.
“He also resigned honorably. And after his coming to Imo where he spoke against the killings of Nigerians in South Africa, the situation came under control to a large extent.
“Zuma came to Imo to partner Rochas Foundation College for Africa. He didn’t come for politics. And even after his departure as President, he would still go ahead to make his contributions to the education of the less privileged children in Africa”.
The Governor claimed that whatever he has done in the state has been for the best interest of the people.
“And whatever Okorocha has done in Imo, he has done so for the good of the people. Okorocha’s achievements in Imo are unequalled, and have exceeded the achievements of all those before him put together.
“This has continued to be our usual claim and nobody has challenged us on this claim including ex-governors of the State still alive. Our achievements will speak for us in 2019. Our achievements will be our electoral talisman in 2019.
“Imo people have seen our monumental achievements and have also read criticisms against us. But seeing they say, is believing and not reading”, he said.
