By Muhammad Mamman
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed optimism that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, will soon regain his freedom.
Speaking on Friday during President Bola Tinubu’s one-day official visit to Abia State — represented by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi — Otti revealed that he has been in active talks with the President regarding Kanu’s release.
“I can assure you that I am engaging with Mr President. He is favourably disposed to it, and I am confident that in no distant time, Nnamdi Kanu will regain his freedom,” Otti stated.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his extradition from Kenya in June 2021.
Highlighting his long-standing relationship with Tinubu, Otti expressed confidence in the President’s sincerity and commitment. “Mr President and I have been friends for decades. Whatever he intends to do, he will tell you, and if he won’t, he’ll say so. Having made promises, I am sure he will keep them,” the governor added.
Representing President Tinubu, Umahi urged residents of the South-East to remain peaceful and united.
“I ask the people of the South-East to come together. As your brother, I have listened to the governor’s remarks and Senator Abaribe’s message to Mr President,” he said.
Umahi further assured that South-East leaders — including governors, lawmakers, and ministers — are collectively pursuing a political solution. “With the President’s love for the South-East, I am confident that a peaceful resolution is near. But we must remain law-abiding and appreciative,” he added.
