Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has assured Nigerians that Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will soon regain his freedom.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Friday during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Abia State. The President was represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti said he had been in discussions with President Tinubu on Kanu’s case and expressed confidence that a breakthrough was near.
“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 told the crowd.
Governor Otti also described President Tinubu as a man who keeps his word, adding that their long-standing friendship gives him confidence in the President’s sincerity.
“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,” he stated.
Nnamdi Kanu was arrested in 2021 and has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). His detention has sparked protests and tensions in the South-East, with many Igbo leaders calling for his release through a political solution.
During the visit, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, who represented the President, also addressed the issue. He called for peace and unity in the South-East region and assured that the federal government was open to resolving the matter politically.
“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.
The Minister further stated that discussions were already ongoing among South-East leaders, including governors, senators, and ministers, to find a peaceful resolution.
“I want to assure Senator Abaribe and Governor Otti that the governors of the South-East are working very seriously. They are exploring a political solution together with our senators, House of Representatives members, and ministers,” Umahi noted.
This development has raised fresh hope among supporters of Kanu and stakeholders in the South-East, many of whom have long called for dialogue and political engagement rather than prolonged detention.
The IPOB leader is facing charges related to treason and terrorism, though several court rulings have previously ordered his release. The federal government has, however, insisted on continuing with the case until now.
