Abia Governor Pledges To Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
By IKE UZOR-NZUBECHI
GOVERNOR Alex Otti of Abia State has assured Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), that he is working to resolve his issues with the Nigerian government and secure his release from prison. The assurance came during a visit by Governor Otti to the prison facility in Sokoto State, where Kanu is serving a life sentence for terrorism, the governor’s media aide Ferdinand Ekeoma confirmed.
During the visit on Sunday, Otti encouraged Kanu to remain “calm and strong” and emphasized that engagements he started over two years ago have been intensified despite the life imprisonment. He added that the matter would be “resolved administratively” and that Kanu would “regain his freedom.”
Governor Otti also revealed that the Sultan of Sokoto supports Kanu’s release and the de-escalation of tensions in the South-east. On a lighter note, Otti said the Sultan joked about turbaning Kanu, which made the IPOB leader laugh.
In response, Kanu thanked the governor for the visit, noting that he was not surprised given Otti’s past interventions. He praised the governor’s performance in Abia State and said his focus remains on good governance and improving the lives of the people.
Governor Otti’s visit marks the first by a sitting governor to Kanu since his life imprisonment sentence. The trip included the Attorney-General of Abia State, the governor’s media aide, top Sokoto State officials, and Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel.
Kanu was convicted by a Federal High Court in Abuja on 20 November, found guilty on seven counts of terrorism, and moved from Abuja to Sokoto shortly afterward. He hails from Afara-Ukwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State.
