Sane societies erect statues in order to immortalize great individuals or historical icons; people whose lives, ideals and legacies have made lasting impact on society.
In the Eastern Nigerian state of Imo, an overzealous Governor has taken an unusual brand of lunacy to continental levels. Governor Rochas Okorocha in commemoration of South African leader Jacob Zuma's visit, commissioned a towering statue and named a street in Zuma's honor.
 |
| Jacob Zuma Statue in Owerri, Nigeria |
Nigeria woke up to images of this embarrassing event that has made Nigerians the laughing stock of Southern Africa social media platforms. This ridiculous calamity awkwardly coincides with Nigeria's grievances over reoccurring deaths and extra-judicial killings of Nigerians resident in South Africa.
Indigenes of Imo state are now being forced to re-evaluate the Mental health of not just their Governor but Imo society at large. Trying to rationalize the construction of a Jacob Zuma statue in Owerri, we just have to wonder: Who is Jacob Zuma? Is he a descendant of Amadioha's lineage? What role has he played in the lives of Imo people? What moral, social or political ideal does he represent to Imo state, the Igbo race or Nigeria in general?
For those who don't know, President Jacob Zuma is currently facing serious corruption allegations in his home country. His administration had driven South Africa's economy into recession. There have been sex scandals too. So, what the hell was Governor Rochas Okorocha thinking?
Some have said that Governor Rochas is either preparing for his 2019 retirement in South Africa or just living in character of Nigeria's ruling party the All Progressives Congress (APC). A party that has shown Nigerians the personification, justification and glorification of Bad Leadership at federal, state and local government levels.
We understand that a few more statues are still under construction within same Owerri vicinity: here's looking forward to the likely unveiling of more inspiring statues of African Heroes such as Idi Amin, Robert Mugabe, Mobutu Sese Seko and Muammar Gaddafi. We trust Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state, Nigeria.
~Stanley Nwabia
What has Zuma done for South Africa? Not to talk of Nigeria or Imo state? Okorocha has been cursed by the gods, the earth he walks upon and the clothes he wears. You forgot to mention Charles Taylor among the statues to be unveiled soon.
ReplyDelete