Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti has reacted to the life imprisonment handed down to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
In a statement personally signed by him, Otti said he had already activated a political solution aimed at securing Kanu’s release.
“While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is free to appeal his conviction, I’m happy to inform you that I have activated, and will continue to work on, the already agreed strategy until his freedom is secured,” he said.
The Governor disclosed that he had communicated some of the agreements earlier reached with “the highest authorities” during his visit to Kanu at the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, in Abuja.
Otti blamed the escalation of IPOB’s agitation on what he described as the Federal Government’s hostile response in the early stages of the crisis.
“The poor management of the IPOB issue at the incubation stage created the problem we have today. We cannot allow it to linger and grow into a monstrous situation,” he lamented.
He warned politicians against exploiting Kanu’s situation for political gains.
“May I caution politicians who have positioned themselves to play petty and dirty politics with the travails of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to jettison the idea, and rather work with us to secure his freedom.”
Otti appealed to Abia residents and the South-East at large to remain calm and avoid inflammatory remarks.
In the statement made available to Ikengaonline by his Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Governor expressed readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to resolve Kanu’s matter.
“I’m happy to collaborate with other well-meaning Nigerians who genuinely want this problem resolved, to push for his freedom through diplomacy and dialogue with the federal government, which, though did not create the problem, can courageously and compassionately solve it and take the credit,” he added.
Otti noted that Thursday’s conviction had thrown many Abians and Nigerians into shock.
He recalled condemning the 2017 military invasion of Kanu’s family home, which led to loss of lives and destruction of property.
“Eight days after that military onslaught at Afaraukwu Umuahia, I wrote a piece on my Thisday column captioned ‘Operation Python Dance: Killing a Fly With a Sledge Hammer,’ where I condemned the invasion and offered suggestions on how to de-escalate tension and unite the nation.”
He stressed that leadership required emotional intelligence, restraint, and tolerance rather than force and violence.
The Governor revealed that since December 22, 2023, he had engaged authorities at the highest level on an alternative resolution strategy, with some agreements reached, hinging on a quick conclusion of the case.
“Unfortunately, the matter dragged until now. I am confident that with the judgment delivered, the alternative resolution will now kick in. This strategy was explained to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu when I visited him in DSS custody earlier in the year.”
Otti urged the people to remain calm as engagements with the federal government progress.
“I have no doubt that with the assurances I have received from the Federal Government, a resolution is in sight and Mazi Kanu will receive his freedom.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing a peaceful and diplomatic resolution.
“Finally, I assure our people of my unwavering resolve to genuinely solve this problem with wisdom, high-level dialogue, and diplomacy to ensure that genuine peace returns to the South-East.”
