KEY POINTS
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Otti says South East governors united on Kanu’s release.
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Elders protest in Umuahia over IPOB leader’s detention.
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Abia working with neighbours to end border clashes.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has dismissed claims that South East governors have abandoned the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Speaking at a media parley Thursday night in Umuahia, Otti said the governors are actively engaging authorities to secure Kanu’s release but stressed that not all efforts should be made public.
“Some of the engagements and assurances we have received are not for public consumption since it may derail the process. But you can take it for granted that, as his Governor, I’m at the forefront of ensuring he comes back home. All the South East governors are together in this,” he said.
Elders press leaders over Kanu
His remarks came a day after Igbo elders staged a protest at Government House, Umuahia, urging political leaders to rally President Bola Tinubu for Kanu’s release. The elders accused governors of neglect and demanded stronger action from the region’s leadership.
Moves to end border clashes
Alex Otti also addressed recent clashes between Itu community in Arochukwu, Abia, and its Cross River neighbours that have displaced many residents. He linked the violence to disputes over unverified reports of limestone deposits and said Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu has been leading peace talks with Cross River and Akwa Ibom officials in Abuja.
Otti said, “Reassure the displaced people that we have not abandoned them and that they will soon return to their ancestral homes.”
Deflecting political attacks
The governor further pledged to stay focused on reforms in Abia despite political criticism and what he described as “mischief, distortion of facts, and blackmail.” He welcomed constructive feedback but said his administration will stay focused on its development agenda.
