Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has said the statue of former South African President, Jacob Zuma, he erected in his state would not be pulled down despite his resignation from office.
Okorocha said the statue was erected in recognition of the history of Zuma who rose to become the president of a country despite the fact that he did not have any formal education.
Okorocha made the statement when reacting to calls on him to remove the statue.
Okorocha said there was no need for the removal, especially, judging by the fact that Zuma resigned “honourably.”
Said Okorocha in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo: “O 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.
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“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.”
Okorocha also pointed out that Zuma visited Imo State “to partner Rochas Foundation College for Africa,” and not to play politics.
He said even after his departure as president, Zuma would still go ahead to make his contributions to the education of the less-privileged children in Africa through his foundation.
The governor stressed that everything he had done was 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.”
