Gov Otti visits Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto prison

Kanu in court

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said that the debate around the conviction and quest for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, would be resolved administratively. Otti, who gave the assurance after visiting the IPoB leader at the Sokoto Correctional Centre over the weekend, said he had intensified engagements towards freeing Kanu, a move he initiated quickly after coming to power in 2023. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, said he had fruitful discussions with Kanu during the visit.

The statement said that “Governor Otti, while discussing with Mazi Kanu during the visit, encouraged him to remain strong, assuring him that the engagements he started over two years ago, which the IPOB leader has been aware of, have been intensified in spite of what happened.”

It further read, “The Governor enjoined Kanu to remain calm but strong, assuring that the issue will be resolved administratively and that he, Mazi Kanu, will regain his freedom.

“Governor Otti expressed joy that the Sultan of Sokoto is on the same page with him on the need for Kanu’s freedom and de-escalation of tension and informed Mazi Kanu that the Sultan of Sokoto had, on a lighter note, told him that Kanu is now his subject and he was going to turban him, information that got the IPOB leader laughing loudly.”

According to the statement, Kanu, in his response, commended the Governor for his show of solidarity and continued concerns. Vanguard