Governor Alex Otti of Abia state has assured that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will soon regain his freedom.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, after his extradition from Kenya. He is currently facing terrorism-related charges.
Otti expressed confidence that Tinubu would keep his word, citing their long-standing personal relationship
Tinubu, through Minister David Umahi, urged south-east residents to remain peaceful as political solutions were explored
Otti disclosed this on Friday, October 3, at the State House, Abuja, shortly after a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
“I can assure you that I am in talks with Mr President. He is positively inclined towards it, and I think that very soon, Nnamdi Kanu will be a free man again,” Otti stated.
He added: “Mr President and I have known each other for decades. Whatever he wishes to do, he will inform you of it, and if he will not, that too will be conveyed to you. Having given his word, he will surely provide them.”
President Tinubu, via the Works Minister, David Umahi, called on south-east citizens to remain peaceful and law-abiding, reports The Cable.
“I call upon the south-east people to mobilize and come together. Being your brother, I have heard the greetings for Mr President and the Abia governor’s address,” Umahi stated.
He promised Senator Abaribe and Governor Otti that the governors of the south-east were seriously, negotiating a political solution with senators, members of the house of representatives, and ministers.
He stated that he was optimistic that with the south-east love of the president, peace would be attained, but reiterated that people must be law-abiding and respectful, and that the president had brought the south-east to the forefront of national issues, Vangaurd clarified.
Over the years, political leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders from the south-east have urged the federal government to pursue a political resolution in Kanu’s case.
Governor Otti’s assurance and Tinubu’s signals of willingness are expected to raise fresh hopes that a breakthrough may finally be on the horizon.
