Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said that South East governors have not abandoned the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He recently revealed that, contrary to perceptions in some quarters, Kanu’s release is of utmost importance to him and his fellow Igbo Governors.
Speaking during a media parley on Thursday night in Umuahia, Otti shared that the governors are actively engaging relevant authorities to secure Kanu’s freedom.
According to him, however, because not all efforts are meant for public disclosure, South East governors will not jeopardize the process by publicizing every step taken to guarantee his release.
“Some of the engagements and assurances we have received are not for public consumption since it may derail the process. But you can take it for granted that, as his Governor, I’m at the forefront of ensuring he comes back home. All the South East governors are together in this,” he said.
Otti further expressed optimism that ongoing engagements would eventually yield positive results.
On the recurring communal clashes between the Itu community in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia and its Cross River neighbours, which have displaced many residents, Otti stated that the state government is working with the governments of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States to restore peace.
Governor Otti concluded by reiterating his commitment to improving Abia, pledging not to succumb to blackmail but to stay open to constructive criticism.
“So please reassure the displaced people that they are not abandoned and that very soon they will return to their ancestral homes,” he added.
