The Governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha is set to unveil 10 additional statues in the state, few weeks after the state organized massive ceremony to unveil the statues of the Presidents of South Africa and Liberia. Although the statue rain in the state has been roundly condemned by majority of Nigerians, the Governor remains undeterred.
According to Punch, the Governor is already set to unveil statues of first Nigerian President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe; former Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa; late sage, Obafemi Awolowo; and Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo.
Also set to be unveiled are those of former President Olusegun Obasanjo; a former Vice-President, Alex Ekwueme; a former Senate President, late Evans Enwerem; and the first civilian Imo State Governor, Sam Mbakwe.
The report quoted an unnamed government official in the state as saying the statues were erected to "celebrate leaders, who had through “selfless efforts” contributed to the development of the state, Nigeria and the African continent. The governor is interested in celebrating those who have contributed to the development of mankind, especially on the African continent. In the years to come, these leaders will be no more but their statues will keep them evergreen in the minds of the people."
“With the statues, they have been inducted into the Imo Hall of Fame and have received the highest award in the state called the Imo Merits Award,” he added.
The official also debunked widespread claim that each of the statues cost the state government over N500m.
“It is not as costly as people had exaggerated. Though I don’t know the exact amount, the government cannot use about N500m to erect one statue. It is not possible. The governor is a prudent manager of resources,” he explained.
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