A statue in honour of Jacob Zuma, costing R20 million has just been unveiled in Nigeria… and Twitter can’t keep it together.
South Africans and Nigerians may not always agree, but the citizens of Africa’s largest economies now share a common confusion over a large bronze statue of president Jacob Zuma, unveiled in Nigeria’s Imo State.
South African President Jacob Zuma visited Nigeria’s Imo state on Friday and had a giant bronze statue unveiled in his honor, a decision that has caused outrage in some parts of the country.
The two-day visit happened just as South Africa’s Supreme Court ruled that President Zuma should face corruption charges.
Zuma visited Governor Rochas Okorocha in Owerri in a surprise visit that was only announced the same day by the South Africa presidency.
“We have decided to honor you for your love for education, though you were deprived in your early days in life but you are working to make sure that every poor child went to school.
“Your love for education to us is the connection between you and government and the people of Imo State.”
Local media reported that the cost of the statue was around 520million Naira — equivalent to R20 million.
Zuma was also honored with a ceremony that conferred on him the traditional title of Ochiagha Imo, a chieftaincy title that translates to the ceremonial leader of warriors. The title was conferred by local royalty and the accompanying certificate was issued by former president Olusegun Obasanjo. Some traditional Igbo organizations have described the statue and title as “a show of shame.”
But the majority of Social Media have been left confused as to why the statue has been built at all.
South Africans are wondering that too. Also why it looks so grumpy. https://t.co/JGsMRVQItY
— samantha cowen (@samcowen) October 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/mightynodrog/status/919958219040141312
I am sure Zuma introduced the Guptas to the Nigerians hence celebrated him chieftancy, street name and statue.
— Abuti Josef🇿🇦 (@AbutiJosef) October 23, 2017
They should make him walk that #zumastatue all the way back to Nkandla. pic.twitter.com/Y6IxmdxjZb
— I am Zindzi Mandela. She is me. I stan.✊🏾 (@UnmovedLee) October 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/Mashiya46339260/status/919973255171231744
https://twitter.com/Uthman_Waxcavs/status/919548044806426624
I'm just sorry for IMO people.
Rochas is owing Salaries, he called Zuma to owerri,erected a Statue and gave him Chieftancy
I can't believe
— Niger Delta (@Franeb) October 14, 2017
Gov Rochas just erected a humongous statue of Jacob Zuma in Imo.
What next?? Name a Stadium or Airport after Robert Mugabe?? pic.twitter.com/LoET7JrakR— PRESIDENT OKONKWO (@IkechuQwu) October 15, 2017
Rochas is owing salary. Used millions 2 honour Jacob Zuma that's hated in S/A & dat turned a blind eye to Xenophobia pic.twitter.com/Lz4jgNUz2i
— Jèfé Juan José (@Jefe_says) October 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/Rouvafe/status/919530344566743040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.premiumtimesng.com%2Fnews%2Ftop-news%2F246191-trending-rochas-okorocha-unveils-statue-jacob-zuma-nigerians-react.html
Nigeria can keep Zuma, take it as early Xmas present From SA.😂 have fun with him #zumastatue
— Greg Kgauza Malebye (@Greg_Kgauza) October 15, 2017
#zumastatue How disappointing by Nigerians, how do u honour a lemenemene though , how about adopting him
— MOETI MATLALA®️ (@Moeti_Matlala) October 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/ArchitectMaQ/status/919625913318428672
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