- Abia State Governor Alex Otti has commented on the life imprisonment sentence of IPoB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
- The judgment was handed down by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
- Governor Oti has launched a comprehensive plan to secure Kanu’s release.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has spoken on the life sentence recently handed down to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Governor Oti revealed that he has launched a comprehensive plan to secure Kanu’s release. He said in a statement released on Saturday that the process had begun long before Kanu was convicted and would continue until the goals were achieved.
He noted that “some agreements” had been reached with “the highest authorities” during previous discussions in Abuja and that Kanu himself was briefed during a visit to the Department of State Services (DSS) earlier this year.
Oti criticized the federal government’s initial handling of the IPOB issue, saying a lack of caution exacerbated the situation. He warned that allowing tensions to persist could escalate into more serious problems in the future.
The governor recalled that as early as 2017, after Kanu’s home in Afarauku was raided by a military force, he had suggested that dialogue rather than force was the best way to prevent further escalation of the situation.
He appealed to residents of Abia and the South-East region to remain calm following the court verdict. He urged the public to avoid provocative statements or actions that could disrupt ongoing diplomatic engagement with the federal government.
Oti expressed optimism that a solution is around the corner. He said:
“While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has the right to appeal his conviction, I would like to reassure everyone that I am actively developing an agreed strategy to secure his release. I also call on politicians who may want to exploit this situation for political gain to put aside such intentions and join us in the pursuit of his freedom.
“I welcome collaboration with any Nigerian who is committed to resolving this issue through diplomacy and dialogue with the federal government, which, while not responsible for creating this problem, has the capacity to address it responsibly and compassionately.
“I recognize that this verdict has caused widespread shock and sadness in Abia and beyond. I believe that leadership requires emotional intelligence, restraint and tolerance, not force. The early mishandling of the IPOB issue created today’s situation and we cannot allow the situation to escalate further.
“Since December 22, 2023, I have been personally engaged with federal authorities regarding alternative resolution strategies, and while some agreements have been delayed due to lengthy trials, I am confident that these measures will now be implemented. Kanu was informed of this approach during my earlier visit to Kanu in DSS custody.
“I call on our people to remain calm, refrain from words or actions that may cause fear or unease, and trust that the assurances we have received will lead to positive solutions. My commitment to resolving this issue through wisdom, diplomacy and dialogue remains unwavering, with the aim of restoring true peace in the South-East.”
