Abia State governor Alex Otti has moved to dispel the perception that South East governors have abandoned Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking during a media parley on Thursday night in Umuahia, Otti said the governors of the region remain actively engaged with relevant authorities in efforts to secure Kanu’s release. He emphasized, however, that not all discussions are meant for public disclosure, warning that prematurely publicizing certain assurances could jeopardize the process.
“Some of the engagements and assurances we have received are not for public consumption since it may derail the process. But you can take it for granted that, as his governor, I’m at the forefront of ensuring he comes back home. All the South East governors are together in this,” Otti said.
His clarification came a day after elders from across the South East staged a protest at Government House, Umuahia, over Kanu’s continued incarceration. The elders accused political leaders of neglecting the IPOB leader and urged Otti to rally his colleagues to press President Bola Tinubu directly on the matter.
Otti expressed confidence that the ongoing engagements would eventually lead to a breakthrough.
Turning to communal violence in the state, the governor addressed the recurring clashes between the Itu community in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia and its Cross River neighbours. The violence, which has displaced many residents, has been linked to unverified reports of natural resources, particularly limestone, in the disputed area. Otti said his administration is working alongside the governments of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States to restore peace, with Abia Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu leading talks in Abuja with counterparts from neighbouring states.
“So please reassure the displaced people that they are not abandoned and that very soon they will return to their ancestral homes,” Otti added.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s broader commitment to rebuilding Abia, stressing that he would not succumb to blackmail or politically motivated attacks. While acknowledging the value of constructive criticism, Otti condemned what he described as mischief, distortion of facts, and attempts to derail progress. He vowed such distractions would not deter him from delivering on his promises to the people of the state.