Governor Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State has conveyed a hopeful outlook regarding the imminent release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
After a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, Otti informed journalists that active discussions with the presidency are underway to facilitate Kanu’s freedom.
“I am currently in talks with Mr. President, who is positively inclined towards this matter. I firmly believe that Nnamdi Kanu will be freed in the near future,” Otti stated.
Highlighting his long-term friendship with President Tinubu, the governor remarked, “The president and I have shared a friendship spanning many years. He is a man of integrity-when he commits to something, he follows through. I trust he will keep his word on this issue.”
In a related development, President Tinubu, through the Minister of Works, David Umahi, called on the people of the South-East to maintain peace and adhere to the law as efforts to secure Kanu’s release progress.
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“I urge the South-East community to stay united and law-abiding. As a fellow brother, I have received messages directed to the president and comments from Governor Otti,” Umahi conveyed.
He further revealed that governors from the South-East, alongside federal legislators and ministers representing the region, are collaborating to find a political solution to Kanu’s situation.
“Given the president’s deep regard for the South-East, I am optimistic that a peaceful resolution will be reached soon,” Umahi added, encouraging the region to recognize the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his extradition from Kenya, and faces charges related to terrorism.
His prolonged detention has prompted numerous appeals for his release from political, religious, and traditional authorities in the South-East, especially amid concerns about his worsening health condition.
Despite multiple bail applications by his legal representatives, courts have consistently denied requests for bail or permission for Kanu to receive medical treatment outside DSS custody.
