THE Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed optimism that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, will soon be released from custody, assuring residents that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is open to a political resolution of the long-standing case.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Governor Otti gave the assurance on Friday during President Tinubu’s one-day working visit to Abia State, represented by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
“I can assure you that I am engaging with Mr President. He is favourably disposed to it, and I am sure that in no distant future, Nnamdi Kanu will regain his freedom,” Otti declared.
The Abia governor also spoke about his personal rapport with President Tinubu, saying the president’s credibility was a strong assurance that his administration would keep its word.
“Mr President and I have been friends for decades. Whatever he wants to do, he will tell you, and if he will not, he will say so. Having made promises, I am sure he will keep them,” Otti noted.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Senator Umahi urged the people of the South-East to embrace peace and unity as efforts intensify toward resolving Kanu’s case through dialogue.
“I ask the people of the South-East to unite and come together. As your brother, I have listened to the messages for Mr President and the comments of the governor of Abia State,” Umahi said.
He further assured that governors, senators, House of Representatives members, and ministers from the region were actively exploring a political solution to secure Kanu’s release.
“I am confident that with the love of the president for the South-East, a peaceful resolution will come to pass. But we must remain law-abiding, appreciative, and recognise that this president has placed the South-East at the centre of national activities,” Umahi stressed.
Nnamdi Kanu, a dual Nigerian and British citizen, was first arrested in 2015 on treason-related charges. Though granted bail in 2017, he fled Nigeria after a military raid on his home in Abia State.
In 2021, Kanu was rearrested in Kenya under controversial circumstances and extradited to Nigeria, where he has since faced terrorism charges.
His legal team, led by Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has consistently raised concerns over his health condition, pushing for medical treatment outside detention.
Most recently, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed his no-case submission, ruling that Kanu must face trial.
Despite this, South-East leaders have continued to push for his release, believing it would ease growing political and security tensions in the region.
On behalf of the president, Umahi also inaugurated the newly remodeled Dr. Michael Okpara Auditorium and a number of completed road projects executed by Governor Otti’s administration.