Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has said that the conviction and sentencing to life imprisonment of the Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is not the end of the road for him.
Otti disclosed this in a statement signed by him and made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Saturday.
He stated that efforts to secure his freedom had been reactivated, in the wake of the judgment and urged the people to remain calm.
Freedomonline recalls that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, pronounced the Abia-born IPOB leader guilty of terrorism-related charges.
The governor noted that the IPOB leader’s sentencing had thrown many residents of Abia and beyond “into shock and sorrow”.
He recalled condemning the 2017 military invasion of Kanu’s family home in Afaraukwu Umuahia, which led to destruction and deaths.
He added that he had, at the time, urged dialogue as the best approach to resolving issues around IPOB.
Otti stated, “Operation Python Dance: Killing a Fly With a Sledge Hammer”, was the title of his 2017 article, criticising the invasion and proposing peaceful options.
He further stated that “leadership required restraint, emotional intelligence and tolerance, rather than force and violence”.
According to him, poor handling of IPOB at the early stages contributed to the present situation.
Otti maintained that he began high-level engagements on alternative resolution on Dec. 22, 2023.
He added, “Some agreements were made, which were dependent on quick dispensation of the matter at the federal high court.”
He explained that delays stalled progress but expressed the hope that Justice James Omotosho’s judgment would now allow the agreed strategy to begin.
“This strategy was explained to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, when I visited him while he was in the DSS custody earlier in the year,” Otti stated.
He further stated that he had activated the agreed plan and would continue until Kanu regains freedom.
He added: “I’m also happy to collaborate with other well-meaning Nigerians, who genuinely want this problem resolved”.
The governor admonished residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could heighten fear or derail ongoing engagements.
“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 added.
Otti cautioned politicians against exploiting Kanu’s plight for cheap political gains.
He maintained that his administration remained committed to pursuing peace in the South-East through dialogue and diplomacy.
