“I Have a Strategy That Will Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Freedom” — Otti

Abia State governor Alex Otti says he is executing a detailed plan aimed at securing the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, whose recent conviction and life sentence by the Federal High Court in Abuja has stirred deep concern across the South-East.

Kanu was found guilty of terrorism-related charges on November 20 by Justice James Omotosho, a ruling that has sparked widespread shock and strong emotional reactions. In a statement issued on Saturday, Otti revealed that a strategy to seek Kanu’s freedom had been crafted earlier in the trial and was now being fully implemented.

He noted that during a previous visit to the DSS facility in Abuja, he briefed Kanu on progress made through high-level engagements with senior authorities, describing these efforts as part of a political roadmap aimed at achieving an alternative resolution.

Otti criticised the federal handling of the IPOB issue in its early stages, arguing that mismanagement allowed tensions to escalate unnecessarily. He urged political actors to avoid exploiting Kanu’s case for personal gain, stressing that such actions could derail delicate diplomatic efforts.

The governor appealed for calm across Abia and the wider South-East, advising residents to refrain from inflammatory comments while discussions remain ongoing. He affirmed that he is working closely with stakeholders and maintains confidence that assurances from the Federal Government point toward an eventual resolution.

Otti also referenced his long-standing support for dialogue, recalling his 2017 article in which he condemned the military operation in Kanu’s hometown. He reiterated his commitment to pursuing peace through diplomacy and strategic engagement until Kanu regains his freedom.