Alarmed by the exposure and consequences therein, the moulded Beast or Bull at the Mbaise/Wethreal road round-about at Fire Service station Owerri has been dismantled by the Government of Imo state who authorized its construction.
According to information available to Imo Trumpeta, the Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who was in London directed that the contentious artwork be bulldozed immediately.
It would be recalled that Imo citizens woke up some weeks ago to witness an ugly and monstrous object looking like a hungry Beast seeking for whom to devour.
The discovery shocked many people, especially the Churches and Clergy, who raised alarm that such an art work is not acceptable to a Christian state like Imo, as the Bull looked like the Biblical “Molten Calf” which led the Israelites to worship Baal and Idols.
The masses also disapproved of the inscription on the Beast “The strength of Imo” which many interpreted to mean that Imo state is a strong Bull, instead of using other symbols of art such as students wearing Graduating gowns or even people dancing, depicting the culture of the people.
This ugly development led the churches in the state to embark on fasting and prayers, even as Imo Trumpeta learnt that the Bull or Beast at Fire Service round-about was the prayer point and preaching during Tarry Nights and Sunday Services throughout Imo state.
Many churches read meanings into the Art work as some of them said it portrays bad omen in Imo, as it represents the power of principalities. Some even said it was a symbol of a cult.
However, following these unsubstantiated rumours, the Governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha was said to have directed that the Beast be dismantled immediately.
Therefore, early church goers were surprised on Sunday when at about 6am, a Tipper and Crane were seen pulling down the monstrous object. The exercise attracted churchgoers who chanted “Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord” and sprinkled holy oil on the site. The built-up to the removal started moments after Trumpeta went to town with the story. It would recalled that in last weekend edition of the newspaper, it was reported that Church pastors have began to fast over the erection of the Bull.
Meanwhile, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria PFN, Imo State Chapter, has commended the state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha for “Listening to the voice of the people” in dismantling the carved Beast.
Speaking at a sermon in his church, Lifeline Assembly, the PFN President Imo state, Bishop Maxwell Korie prayed for the Governor, asking God to give him the wisdom to direct the affairs of the state well.
Most other pastors in the state praised Okorocha for reversing the erecting of the Beast. However, most of them said they want to hear that some heads have rolled over the Beast, which they said was an invitation of Evil into Imo state. “Whoever gave the Governor that advice needed to be punished” A pastor told this Newspaper.
“The matter should not end there, we want to hear the Governor sack those behind the desecration of Imo state, a land blessed by God” Imo Trumpeta was told.
