Editors’ note: The writer, Buchi Obichie, chides the Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha, for recently erecting a statue of South African President, Jacob Zuma, in his state. She notes that Zuma has not contributed in any meaningful way, towards the development of the state; and insists that that sort of honor should have been given to someone deserving of it.
Give honour to whom honour is owed- this is a portion of scripture located somewhere in the book of Romans. The exact chapter and verse, I do not know; but my mum recited that quote often enough to make it stick in my memory.
Amongst many things, my mother was a firm believer in giving honour to those who have earned it. So while she was ever willing to pull out a cane and whip the behind of whichever child had done something naughty, she would also go out of her way to get gifts for anyone who had done something exceptional.
As such, my brothers and I learned from example, that outstanding accomplishments were to be celebrated; but sub-par behavior was not!
Sometimes, I wish Nigeria’s leaders would act with the same consciousness/mentality.
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It is only in Africa that men are rewarded simply by virtue of their names, positions and wealth; instead of how meaningfully they have impacted society.
This is the case of Rochas Okorocha of Imo state, and South Africa’s Jacob Zuma.
The South African president was in the southeast state recently, and Mr Okorocha rolled out the red carpet in his honour. Not only did Zuma get a street named after him, the Imo govt also erected a humongous statue of him, and conferred on him a chieftaincy title and the state’s highest award (the Imo Merit Award).
The question then is this- what exactly has Jacob Zuma done for Imo state to deserve such royal treatment?
Are there schools that he has built in the southeastern state, or roads that he has constructed there? Are there any Imo state citizens who are ‘Zuma scholars’ in reputable institutions; or state-of-the-art hospitals in Imo constructed with funds from Zuma or even the South-African nation?
It seems to me that the African continent is riddled with people who call themselves leaders, but are really just opportunists and buffoons with tin ears. The same man who is honored here, is loathed by his own countrymen, crippled by various corruption allegations at home, and set to be investigated!
What exactly was Okorocha thinking?
Could it be that all that sugar intake- the man got 27 cakes on his recent 55th birthday celebration- has clouded his sense of reasoning?
Look, I am not trying to be disrespectful; I am simply trying to understand the rationale behind the governor’s questionable actions.
Is there really such a lack of true heroes in Imo, that Okorocha would choose to give honour to the undeserving?
Has the governor constructed a statue of Sam Mbakwe anywhere? I mean, the late former governor is a million times more worthy of such honour. Mbakwe was known for embarking on serious infrastructural development within Imo state- even though he incurred great debts in the process.
Despite his flaws though, the late governor is certainly more deserving of such honour than this uninspiring and underachieving Zuma…with all due respect to his office!
Nigeria’s leaders need a mind-reset.
They need to understand how their actions are setting a bad example to the younger generation. What’s the use of working towards being an outstanding citizen, if my good deeds would be thrown into the gutter while individuals of questionable character are celebrated?
If Rochas Okorocha so desperately wanted to honour a colorful individual- during the years he was imprisoned on Robben Island, Zuma was said to have boosted the morale of his comrades with songs and impromptu theatrical performances…they don’t call the man ‘JZ’ for nothing!- he should have given that royal treatment to Humblesmith instead.
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Yes, Humblesmith the musician. At least he is contributing positively to the state and nation with his music, and is actually an Imo indigene!
Give honour to whom honour is due…that’s what the good book says…Rochas Okorocha claims to be a Christian, but in this regard, in his treatment of Jacob Zuma, he has been found wanting!
It sure seems like Rochas Okorocha has lost his senses!
This opinion piece was written by Buchi Obichie.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial policy of NAIJ.com.
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