Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has given assurances that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), may soon be released from detention.
Otti made this known on Friday while speaking with journalists at the State House, Abuja, shortly after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
“I can assure you that I am engaging with Mr. President. He is favourably disposed to it, and I am sure that in no distant future, Nnamdi Kanu will regain his freedom,” the governor said.
According to him, his long-standing personal relationship with President Tinubu gives him confidence that the promise will be fulfilled.
The President, who was represented at the event by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, urged residents of the South-East to maintain peace and unity while efforts to resolve the matter politically continue.
“I ask the people of the South-East to unite and come together. I want to assure Senator Abaribe and Governor Otti that the governors of the South-East are working in synergy with lawmakers and ministers to explore a political solution,” Umahi said.
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Umahi further emphasised that President Tinubu is committed to fostering peace in the region and has placed the South-East “at the centre of national activities.”
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his arrest and extradition from Kenya. He is currently standing trial on terrorism-related charges.
In recent months, calls for his release have intensified, with stakeholders from the South-East citing concerns over his deteriorating health and urging the Federal Government to adopt a political resolution.