By John Umeh
Governors of the South East have stepped up behind-the-scenes negotiations with the Federal Government to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), according to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.
Otti made the disclosure on Thursday during his monthly media engagement in Umuahia, where he emphasized that the process is ongoing but deliberately shielded from public scrutiny.
“As Kanu’s governor, I am fully involved in ensuring he returns home. My colleagues from the South East are equally engaged, but the details are not for public discussion,” he said.
The governor stressed that while the fate of the IPOB leader remains an emotional issue for many in the region, his administration continues to prioritize the safety and stability of Abia. He praised security agencies for sustaining relative calm but called for more vigilance as the ember months approach.
Otti also announced fresh measures to tackle school vandalism, including the recruitment of dedicated security guards for every school in the state.
On infrastructure, he revealed that President Bola Tinubu will visit Abia next week to commission completed road projects in Aba, while reconstruction of the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene highway will soon commence.
The governor further addressed concerns over the Abia Airport project, acknowledging gaps in compensation to affected landowners. He assured that omitted names and documentation errors are being corrected to ensure fairness.
Concluding, Otti noted that the administration remains committed to delivering on promises of development, economic growth, and peace, while quietly working with other South East leaders to resolve the Kanu issue.
