Abia State Governor Alex Otti has expressed that the life imprisonment sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is not the end of the road for him. In a statement made available to the press, Governor Otti disclosed that efforts to secure Kanu’s freedom have been reactivated following the judgment. He urged residents to remain calm, as the sentencing has caused shock and sorrow among many in Abia and beyond.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had found Kanu guilty of terrorism-related charges, prompting widespread reaction. Governor Otti recalled his condemnation of the 2017 military invasion of Kanu’s family home, which resulted in destruction and deaths. At the time, he advocated for dialogue as the best approach to resolving issues surrounding IPOB. In his 2017 article, “Operation Python Dance: Killing a Fly With a Sledge Hammer,” Otti criticized the invasion and proposed peaceful options, emphasizing that leadership requires restraint, emotional intelligence, and tolerance rather than force and violence.
According to Governor Otti, the poor handling of IPOB in its early stages contributed to the current situation. He initiated high-level engagements on alternative resolution on December 22, 2023, with some agreements made, dependent on the swift dispensation of the matter at the federal high court. Although delays stalled progress, Otti expressed hope that the recent judgment would allow the agreed-upon strategy to commence. He had previously explained this strategy to Kanu during a visit while he was in DSS custody and has now activated the agreed plan, aiming to continue until Kanu regains freedom.
The governor is open to collaborating with other well-meaning Nigerians who genuinely want the issue resolved. He cautioned residents against actions that could heighten fear or derail ongoing engagements and advised politicians against exploiting Kanu’s plight for cheap political gains. Governor Otti’s administration remains committed to pursuing peace in the South-East through dialogue and diplomacy. With assurances received from the Federal Government, he believes a resolution is in sight, and Kanu will receive his freedom.
