Governor Otti Pushes for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release, Calls for Dialogue Over Division

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has revealed that efforts are actively underway to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was recently convicted.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti confirmed that he has reactivated a plan he initially began during Kanu’s legal battles, aimed at achieving his eventual release. “While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is free to appeal his conviction, I’m happy to inform you that I have activated and will continue to work on the already agreed strategy until his freedom is secured,” the governor stated.

Otti also disclosed that he had shared key understandings reached with top national authorities during a recent visit to Kanu, who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.

Reflecting on the origins of the crisis, Otti criticized how the IPOB issue was handled in its early stages, saying the lack of thoughtful engagement allowed the situation to escalate. “The poor management of the IPoB issue at the incubation stage created the problem we have today, hence we cannot allow it to linger and create a bigger monstrous situation for us,” he said.

He called for calm and emphasized the need for a political solution, warning against those trying to exploit Kanu’s situation for personal or political gain. “May I caution politicians who have positioned themselves to play petty and dirty politics with the travails of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to jettison the idea, and rather work with us to secure his freedom,” Otti said.

The governor expressed his willingness to work with other Nigerians who are genuinely interested in resolving the matter through peaceful means. He believes that the federal government, though not the originator of the crisis, has the power to resolve it with compassion and courage.

Otti also recalled the 2017 military raid on Kanu’s family home, which resulted in destruction and loss of life. He condemned the incident at the time and reiterated his belief that dialogue, not force, is the best path forward.

He concluded by acknowledging the emotional toll Kanu’s imprisonment has taken on the people of Abia and the wider region, and reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing a peaceful and lasting resolution.