Abia State Governor Alex Otti has broken his silence following the life imprisonment sentence handed to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The governor, who has been closely monitoring the situation, expressed deep concern over the verdict and highlighted the proactive measures he has put in place to ensure that Kanu’s eventual release is achieved. Otti emphasized that the strategy to secure Kanu’s freedom has been meticulously structured and involves a combination of high-level diplomacy, engagement with federal authorities, and continuous dialogue with all relevant stakeholders.
Otti stated that the plan had been set in motion long before the conviction and that his commitment to seeing it through remains unwavering. He reassured the people of Abia State and the wider South East region that every avenue is being explored to bring about a resolution that upholds justice while maintaining peace and stability in the region. The governor also revealed that agreements had been reached with top federal authorities during prior engagements in Abuja, which form the cornerstone of the ongoing strategy.
Otti Confirms Ongoing Strategy for Kanu’s Freedom
In a statement released on Saturday, the governor confirmed that he had already activated the carefully planned strategy and will continue to pursue it until the goal of Kanu’s release is achieved. According to him, the engagement process includes coordination with key federal officials and regular updates to ensure that the matter progresses without unnecessary delays. Otti also clarified that Kanu had been fully briefed on the alternative resolution strategy during his visit to the Department of State Services (DSS) facility earlier in the year, underscoring transparency and trust in the ongoing process.
The governor stressed that while the trial has concluded, the groundwork laid prior to the conviction ensures that mechanisms for Kanu’s release are already in motion. Otti expressed optimism that the agreements reached will now be implemented swiftly, given the conclusion of the court proceedings, and that a resolution is within sight for all parties involved.
‘IPoB Issue Was Poorly Managed from the Start’
Otti faulted the federal authorities for the initial handling of the grievances raised by IPoB, describing it as tactless and counterproductive. He noted that the lack of dialogue and excessive reliance on force at the early stages of the conflict contributed significantly to the escalation of tensions, which have persisted to the present day. The governor warned that allowing the situation to continue unmanaged could potentially create an even larger and more complex crisis in the future, affecting not only Abia State but the entire South East region.
Recalling events dating back to 2017, following the military invasion of Kanu’s family home in Afaraukwu, Otti reiterated that dialogue and peaceful negotiation would have been the most effective approach to prevent further escalation. He emphasized that leadership requires emotional intelligence, restraint, and tolerance, rather than force, in resolving sensitive issues such as this one.
Appeal for Calm in Abia and the South East
The governor urged residents of Abia State and the broader South East region to remain calm despite the shock and sorrow caused by the life imprisonment sentence. He appealed to citizens to avoid inflammatory statements or actions that could undermine ongoing engagements with the federal government and hinder the peaceful resolution of the matter. Otti emphasized that maintaining calm and restraint is crucial for the success of the high-level strategy already in place.
He assured the public that, based on the assurances he has received from federal authorities, a resolution leading to Kanu’s freedom is imminent. The governor called on politicians and other stakeholders to work collaboratively, rather than exploit the situation for petty political gains, and to support the diplomatic and dialogue-based approach being pursued.
Governor Otti’s Full Statement
“While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is free to appeal his conviction, I’m happy to inform you that I have activated and will continue to work on the already agreed strategy until his freedom is secured. This strategy, which has been carefully designed, involves engagement with the highest federal authorities and continuous dialogue to ensure that the matter is resolved peacefully and effectively.
“May I caution politicians who have positioned themselves to play petty and dirty politics with the travails of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to jettison the idea, and rather work with us to secure his freedom. Collaboration with well-meaning Nigerians who genuinely want this problem resolved is welcome, as the approach relies on diplomacy and dialogue with the federal government, which, while not responsible for creating the problem, has the capacity to resolve it courageously and compassionately, and take the credit for a peaceful solution.
“Without doubt, this development has broken a lot of our people and created an atmosphere of shock and sorrow in Abia and beyond. It is because I recognize that effective leadership requires emotional intelligence, restraint, and tolerance rather than force and violence. I continue to believe that the poor management of the IPOB issue at its early stages contributed significantly to the current situation, and therefore it is imperative that we do not allow it to linger and escalate into a larger crisis for our region.
“While the trial that led to this conviction lasted, I personally engaged the authorities at the highest level, starting from December 22, 2023, on an alternative resolution strategy. I must state that some agreements were made which were dependent on the swift dispensation of the matter at the federal high court. Unfortunately, the matter dragged until this time. I am confident that with the judgment having been delivered, the alternative resolution will now proceed effectively. This strategy was clearly explained to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu when I visited him while he was in DSS custody earlier in the year, ensuring transparency and trust in the process.
“I’ll like to use this opportunity to appeal to our people to remain calm and refrain from utterances and actions capable of stoking fear, violence, and insecurity, which may negatively affect the outcome of the engagements we are already having. I have no doubt that with the assurances I have received from the Federal Government, a resolution is in sight and Mazi Kanu will receive his freedom. This approach prioritizes peaceful negotiation, dialogue, and high-level diplomacy, aiming to restore genuine peace to the South East region.
“Finally, I want to assure our people of my unwavering resolve and commitment to genuinely solving this problem with wisdom, diplomacy, and persistent engagement at the highest level, with a view to ensuring that genuine peace and stability return to Abia State and the entire South East.”