Nnamdi Kanu Will Regain Freedom In No Distant Future — Otti

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed optimism that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, will soon regain his freedom.

Otti made the remark on Friday during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to Abia State, represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi.

The governor said he had been in active discussions with President Tinubu over Kanu’s case and assured that the president was open to a peaceful and political resolution.

“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 said.

Otti described President Tinubu as a leader who keeps his word, noting their long-standing personal and political relationship. “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,” the governor added.

Speaking on behalf of the president, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, urged people of the South East to remain peaceful and united. He assured that discussions were ongoing among South East leaders to secure Kanu’s release through dialogue rather than confrontation.

“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 disclosed that regional leaders, including governors, senators, and federal lawmakers, were jointly working with the presidency to achieve a political settlement. “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 stated.

Umahi expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s administration would handle the matter peacefully. “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,” he said.

Nnamdi Kanu, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United Kingdom, was first arrested in 2015 on charges of treason. He was granted bail in 2017 but fled the country during the trial. In 2021, he was re-arrested in Kenya and extradited to Nigeria, an act that sparked controversy and condemnation.

His ongoing trial for terrorism-related charges has faced several delays. Recently, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed his no-case submission, directing that the trial proceed. His lawyers have continued to raise concerns over his health condition in detention, requesting that he be transferred to the National Hospital, Abuja, for proper medical care.

Meanwhile, South East governors and political leaders have intensified calls for his release, arguing that it will ease regional tension and strengthen national unity.

During the visit, Umahi, on behalf of President Tinubu, inaugurated the newly remodeled Dr. Michael Okpara Auditorium and several road projects completed by Governor Otti’s administration.