Why I Won’t Pull Down Zuma’s Statue – Okorocha

Rochas Okorocha, Imo state governor, has rejected calls for the statue of former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, to be pulled down.

Okorocha had in 2017 erected a statue in Owerri in honour of Zuma, ahead of a state visit by the South African leader.

Zuma, who faces numerous corruption allegations, stepped down on Wednesday following pressure from his party, the African National Congress, ANC.

Following the disgraceful nature of Zuma’s resignation, there have been calls for the governor to pull down the statue of the former president.

Reacting on Friday, Okorocha in a statement by Sam Onwuemeodo, his chief press secretary, said the statue will not be oulled down, as the former South Africa president resigned “honourably”.

“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 statement read.

“The statue was erected when the man was a sitting president. We should also be keen in his life story.

“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 honourably.

“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..

“And whatever Okorocha has done in Imo, he has done so for the good of the people.

“Imo people have seen our monumental achievements and have also read criticisms against us. But seeing they say, is believing and not reading.”