Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has given assurances that, contrary to certain public perceptions, governors from the South East have not neglected the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
While speaking at a media parley held on Thursday evening in Umuahia, Otti explained that the South East governors are actively in discussions with the appropriate authorities to secure Kanu’s release, though he emphasised that not every step taken needs to be made public.
"Some of the engagements and assurances we have received are not for public consumption since they 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," Otti stated.
This clarification followed a protest a day earlier by Igbo elders from the South East at Government House, Umuahia, concerning Kanu’s prolonged detention. The elders criticised the region’s political leaders for neglecting the IPOB leader and appealed to Otti to unite other governors in lobbying President Bola Tinubu on the issue.
Otti voiced confidence that the ongoing discussions would eventually produce favourable results.
Regarding the ongoing communal violence between the Itu community in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State and its neighbours in Cross River State, which has resulted in the displacement of several residents, Otti mentioned that his government is collaborating with the authorities in both Cross River and Akwa Ibom States to bring about a resolution.
He suggested that the conflict may have been fuelled by rumours concerning the existence of valuable natural resources, particularly limestone, in the disputed region. He noted that Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, has been representing the state in talks with neighbouring states in Abuja, aimed at settling the issue.
"So please reassure the displaced people that they are not abandoned and that very soon they will return to their ancestral homes," he stated.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his dedication to the development of Abia State, pledging not to yield to blackmail but to remain receptive to constructive feedback. He decried the actions of individuals who spread falsehoods, misrepresent facts, or engage in politically motivated criticisms but insisted that such distractions would not deter his administration.
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