Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed confidence that the ongoing issues surrounding the conviction and possible release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, will be resolved through administrative processes rather than prolonged legal battles.
Otti gave the assurance after visiting Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre over the weekend. The governor said his engagement with relevant authorities—an effort he began shortly after assuming office in 2023—has been intensified in recent weeks.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti confirmed that he held “fruitful discussions” with the detained IPOB leader during the visit.
“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—of which the IPOB leader is aware—have been intensified,” the statement read.
The governor reportedly told Kanu to “remain calm but strong,” noting that the matter “will be resolved administratively” and that Kanu would eventually regain his freedom. Otti also expressed satisfaction that the Sultan of Sokoto shared his position on the need to de-escalate tensions and secure Kanu’s release.
According to Ekeoma, Otti narrated a lighthearted moment during the visit in which the Sultan jokingly told him that Kanu had become his “subject” and that he planned to turban him—a remark that made the IPOB leader laugh.
Kanu, described as cheerful and in high spirits, thanked the governor for the visit and commended him for his consistent show of support. He also praised Otti’s developmental strides in Abia State, comparing his leadership qualities to those of the late Sam Mbakwe, former governor of old Imo State.
Kanu stated that his primary interest remains good governance and policies that improve the well-being of the people, offering prayers for the governor and his administration.
Governor Otti was accompanied by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN), media aide Ferdinand Ekeoma, and top officials of the Sokoto State Government. Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, also attended the meeting.
