Governor Alex Otti of Abia State said that Nnamdi Kanu’s life imprisonment is not the end of the road for the IPOB leader.
In a statement released on Saturday in Umuahia, the governor said he has reactivated efforts to secure Kanu’s release following the Federal High Court’s judgment. He urged residents to remain calm and patient.
Reaction to Kanu’s Conviction
The court in Abuja found the Abia-born IPOB leader guilty of terrorism-related charges on Thursday. Governor Otti noted that the sentence left many Abia residents and others in shock and sorrow.
He recalled condemning the 2017 military invasion of Kanu’s family home in Afaraukwu, Umuahia, which caused deaths and destruction. At the time, he called for dialogue as the best way to resolve conflicts involving IPOB.
Advocating Dialogue and Restraint
Governor Otti highlighted his 2017 article “Operation Python Dance: Killing a Fly With a Sledge Hammer”, criticizing the military operation and proposing peaceful solutions. He emphasized that leaders should exercise restraint, emotional intelligence, and tolerance rather than rely on force.
According to Otti, poor handling of IPOB at the early stages contributed to the current situation.
High-Level Engagements and Strategic Plan
The governor said he started high-level engagements for alternative resolutions on December 22, 2023. He reached some agreements, but delays in court proceedings slowed progress.
He explained that the recent judgment allows the agreed strategy to move forward. “I explained this plan to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu when I visited him in DSS custody earlier this year,” Otti said. He confirmed that the strategy is now active and will continue until Kanu regains freedom.
Commitment to Peace in the South-East
Otti welcomed collaboration with other Nigerians committed to resolving the issue peacefully. He urged residents to avoid actions that could escalate fear or derail ongoing efforts.
He expressed confidence that, with assurances from the Federal Government, a resolution is in sight. The governor also cautioned politicians against exploiting Kanu’s situation for political gain and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace in the South-East through dialogue and diplomacy.
