I won’t pull down Zuma’s statue - Governor Okorocha

The Imo State Government says the statue of former South African President Jacob Zuma, erected by its administration, will not be pulled down.

Zuma’s statue is among the seven statues erected by Governor Okorocha in Owerri.

The government argued that the statue was erected when Zuma was the president of South Africa.

A press release signed by Okorocha’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeudo on Friday, states that the statue was erected in honour of Zuma, who did not receive any formal education but rose to play a major role in the freedom of South Africans.

The statement partly read: "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. 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 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.

"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."