Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has said that governors of Nigeria’s South East are in discussions with the federal government to secure the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Speaking at his monthly media briefing on Thursday, Otti revealed that quiet negotiations were underway but declined to provide details. “The information and assurances are not for public consumption. As his governor, I am in the forefront of ensuring that he comes back. The South East governors are also involved. So, we are discussing,” he said.
While Kanu’s detention remains a flashpoint in the region, Otti stressed that his administration’s focus extended beyond the case. He outlined ongoing measures to bolster security across Abia as the year draws to a close, pledging continued support for police, the army and the DSS. “The state has been relatively peaceful,” he said, but urged residents to remain vigilant during the so-called ember months, when crime rates often spike.
On education, the governor lamented rising cases of school vandalism by youths and announced plans to deploy four security personnel to every school. He also used the session to highlight infrastructure progress, confirming that President Bola Tinubu will visit Abia next Friday to commission newly completed roads in Aba.
“We are almost set to flag off the reconstruction of the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene federal road. And of course, the President and Commander-in-Chief will be here to commission a pack of routes and seven other roads in Aba,” Otti said.
Responding to protests over compensation for land acquired for the Abia Airport project, Otti admitted to administrative lapses but assured affected communities that payments were being rectified.
The governor concluded by reaffirming his administration’s broader development agenda, promising further strides in security, infrastructure and economic growth in the months ahead.
