Controversy has trailed Governor Rochas Okorocha’s unveiling of a mammoth statue in Imo State in honour of President Jacob Zuma of South Africa.
Okorocha had also on Saturday named a road after President Zuma who is currently facing multiple corruption charges in his country.
This followed the conferment of a traditional title on Zuma by Eze Imo, Samuel Ohiri.
The series of events have since earned Governor Okorocha negative reactions.
Speaking at the unveiling of the statue, Mr. Okorocha said, “Today, we have decided to honour you for your love for education, though you were deprived in your early days in life but you are working to make sure that every poor child went to School.
“Your love for education to us is the connection between you and government and the people of Imo State.
“The only industry we have and we can truly be proud of is education in Imo State.
“This is another reason why we have chosen to honour you”, he said.
In his acknowledgement, Mr. Zuma said of the award, “Africans must come together to address African problems.
“We are the same people. We cannot succeed if we handle problems as individuals. We need to recognize that we are one.”
The reactions:
Abdulsalam: make you naa read oh
“Gov Rochas Okorocha just erected a statue of Jacob Zuma in Imo state”
OBJ & Shonekan: pic.twitter.com/druNTorhBZ
— Mr.┏̲O̶̲̅┓̲P ┏̲A̶̲̅┓ (@ogbeni_opa) October 15, 2017
Rochas erected a statue of Jacob Zuma in Imo
This govt & making Nigeria a subject of international ridicule pic.twitter.com/wAx6o97Fxh
— Lérd Chigbọ ā (@itschigbo) October 15, 2017
When people in Lagos & abroad praise Rochas, man, I get so disgusted. Have you seen Imo State? Like real life, not what the media shows you
— Agunwanyi. (@_obuteaku) October 15, 2017
How worse can it get?
Despite owing workers, Gov. Rochas spent 520M to erect statue of South African president Jacob Zuma in OwerriFunke! pic.twitter.com/slsSqhbjQc
— Wale Adetona (@iSlimfit) October 15, 2017
South African social media platforms have been laughing at us for hours. Rochas Okorocha has disgraced ALL Nigerians not just Imo state pic.twitter.com/NoulrI2WGm
— Mr Stanley Nwabia (@MrStanleyNwabia) October 14, 2017
Ur MCM Gov Rochas Okorocha spent 520M 2 erect statue of SA President Jacob Zuma in Owerri while owing workers salaries.
Pray 4 him gidigan
— Mr.┏̲O̶̲̅┓̲P ┏̲A̶̲̅┓ (@ogbeni_opa) October 15, 2017
Won’t be suprised if Rochas Okorocha brings Jacob Zuma to Abuja and rename Zuma rock to Jacob Zuma rock.
— SUPERHEATED STEAM (@dhe_Mechanic) October 15, 2017
I hereby congratulate ndi Imo home and abroad for this landmark achievement by Gov Rochas Joker Okorowonder pic.twitter.com/h0FcqT8SSY
— IKECHUKWU (@iykimo) October 14, 2017
When we talk about CLASSIC & UNDILUTED buffoonery,
PDP has Ayo Fayose
APC has Rochas Okorocha
They are both Governors
1 – 1 draw.
— Banky (@AdeBanqie) October 15, 2017
Rochas is owing my aunty, a retired Principal, pension for more than 13 months yet he has money to erect a statue for Zuma. What a man. https://t.co/K7ke1SWIvi
— Whiskey Papi (@tawah89) October 15, 2017
5. Rochas Okorocha, I dont knw why Jacob Zuma has a statue in Imo state Nigeria. I hope the foolish Gov’nor can explain after we slap him!
— Ferdinand (@Burmese_Tyga) October 15, 2017
Gov Rochas just erected a humongous statue of Jacob Zuma in Imo.
What next?? Name a Stadium or Airport after Robert Mugabe?? pic.twitter.com/LoET7JrakR— PRESIDENT OKONKWO (@IkechuQwu) October 15, 2017
Dear Rochas Okorocha you’re mad for this statue of Jacob Zuma you built in Imo State. pic.twitter.com/Hg2l7Akkd0
— A B D U L-W A S I U (@Uthman_Waxcav) October 15, 2017
First, Rochas made a huge billboard where he had a handshake with Obama.
Now, he has made a giant statue of Zuma
Rochas in one word..FOOL!
— Miz Cazorla (@MizCazorla1) October 15, 2017
Rochas Okorocha celebrating Jacob Zuma who hasnt done anything tangible to stop Xenophobic attack on Nigerians is shameful. Imo State i hail pic.twitter.com/yaIxS6z1q7
— Bhadmus Hakeem (@Bhadoosky) October 15, 2017
Rochas is owing salary. Used millions 2 honour Jacob Zuma that’s hated in S/A & dat turned a blind eye to Xenophobia pic.twitter.com/Lz4jgNUz2i
— Jèfé Juān Jọsé (@Jefe_says) October 15, 2017
I know today is Sunday & this is probably wrong, but Rochas Okorocha is very mad for this statue of Jacob Zuma He built in Imo State pic.twitter.com/5O0JTIY48x
— Tweeter Active (@_Tweeteractive) October 15, 2017
Rochas Okorocha: Imo state people hate this Jacob Zuma statue, let me build one for Nnamdi Azikiwe
His Inner mind: No, build one for Mugabe pic.twitter.com/aLNxaRgsQz
— FAVOUR ONYEOZIRI (@Rouvafe) October 15, 2017
This whole Rochas Okoroacha and Jacob Zuma bullshit should tell you people he will sell Nigeria for cheap if he gets the chance. Listen!
— Ferdinand (@Burmese_Tyga) October 15, 2017
The money Rochas used to erect that statue for Jacob Zuma can pay salaries Imo State owes, and still have change to get him a new brain.
— Umeh and 99 others (@UmehOMA) October 15, 2017
In a country where Rochas & Fayose are leading millions.
Dino Melaye legislates for the whole Nation.
Gudaje is a Federal Representative.
— Mallam Adamu Hayatu™ (@AHayatu) October 15, 2017
Of all worthy people in the world to honour, Rochas Okorocha chose Jacob Zuma.
Zuma that is almost a felon in South Africa?
Zuma that presides over a country that has killed Nigerians, many Igbo.
What qualifies Zuma to stand in the place of Nnamdi Azikiwe or Sam Mbakwe?— Buchi Njere (@buchinjere) October 15, 2017
So Governor Rochas Spent 520 Million to Erect Jacob zuma’s Statue, but cannot finish 27 General Hospitals projects he started since 2011
— onyema isaac ugo (@OnyemaIsaa) October 15, 2017
Rochas has by this action cemented his place in the Hall of Failed Governors alongside Rauf Aregbesola of Osun and Yahaya Bello of Kogi.
— Demola Olarewaju (@DemolaRewaju) October 15, 2017
May God save us from people like Rochas Okorocha.
Where’s his IMO air?
What’s the essence of erecting a statue of Zuma in IMO state?— Comrade Ugo (@UgoBenitez) October 15, 2017
-Excellent governor
-Good governor
-Very good governor
-Average governor
-Governor
-Bad Governor
-Very bad governor
-Rochas— OLISA (@olis123kel) October 15, 2017
Dear Twitfam. Pls remember Imo State in your prayers today. There’s curse called Rochas hovering around d state.
— Frank Opara (@fopara03) October 15, 2017
I think the loveliest thing about Rochas’ Zuma Statue is that there are other statues of other African leaders he has plans to unveil.
— Baba (@nmoroti) October 15, 2017
Rephrase “What has Rochas not done” https://t.co/SFk7tlT2Xk
— Ogaranya! (@DarkRidersDream) October 15, 2017
Don’t blame yourself. There is something about APC that makes men stupid. Wasn’t this the same Rochas who was in PDP and APGA?
— Ayekooto (@thebardogbamola) October 15, 2017
In d heat of rampant killings of nigerians in SA,this imbecile gov erects a statue of an unpopular jacob zuma. Rochas is indeed an outcast!
— BaronKingsley (@KingsleyEzeribe) October 15, 2017
Congrats to Zuma. He’s always welcome to Eastern Nigeria his root. Jacob Zuma is Rochas Okorocha’s lost Uncle….
— TONY_AFC (@Tonyarsenal) October 15, 2017
What did Imo state do to deserve Rochas Okorocha?
— Chelsea Goddess (@goodwoman_) October 15, 2017
Rochas actually came to destroy my beloved state. We’ve never had it this low. Wow!
— Jay (@aguhjay) October 15, 2017
Buhari as President
Rochas as Governor.I have really suffered. How did I offend APC bikonu?
— Kingsley (@kingysly_01) October 14, 2017
Imo State indigenes worshipping the new South African god made by their governor, Rochas. pic.twitter.com/ObGL3TipoV
— BROUHAHA (@BrouhahaNG) October 14, 2017
Bros Rochas is a concrete prove why SE governors are tagged failure. . Smh
— JaNE (@joeejio4) October 14, 2017
Bros Rochas is a concrete prove why SE governors are tagged failure. . Smh
— JaNE (@joeejio4) October 14, 2017
“Buhari asked us to focus on northern Nigeria” -World Bank.
And you say Tunibu,Amaechi,Rochas should be respected in their region— Ag_Reggs (@ReggTectOnic) October 13, 2017