Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has confirmed that governors of the South-East region are actively engaged in discussions with the Federal Government to secure the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.1
Speaking during his monthly media interaction in Umuahia, Otti revealed that a lot of the work is being done behind the scenes to avoid derailing the process.2 He emphasized that as Kanu’s home state governor, he is at the forefront of the efforts.3
“The information and assurances are not for public consumption. As his governor, I am in the forefront of ensuring that he comes back. The South-East governors are also involved.4 So, we are discussing,” Otti stated.
The governor’s comments come amid renewed public pressure from Igbo elders and groups for a political solution to Kanu’s ongoing detention.5 Many believe that his release is essential for restoring peace and security to the South-East region, which has been plagued by a series of sit-at-home orders and other criminal activities.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial repatriation from Kenya in June 2021.6 While the Court of Appeal in Abuja had previously discharged him, the Supreme Court’s ruling to send the case back for trial has kept him in detention.
Otti’s statement signals a coordinated effort by the region’s political leadership to resolve the issue through dialogue rather than confrontation. The outcome of these discussions is highly anticipated, as many hope it will pave the way for a lasting peace in the South-East.
